Yubing Xie

Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence, Professor

College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering

Department of Nanoscale Science & Engineering

Contact

NanoFab East 4408

518-442-8651

[email protected]

Secondary Contact

Secondary Office

CNSE Downtown 201J

Education

Postdoctoral Fellowship, Chemical Engineering and Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1999 to 2003

PhD Chemical Engineering, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China, 1998

MS Chemical Engineering, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China, 1995

BS Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, 1992

About

Dr. Xie’s research interfaces between stem cell biology and nanotechnology to understand stem cell fate decisions and develop a stem cell-based platform for the creation of disease models, tissue regeneration, therapeutic screening and drug development. The convergence of engineering and cellular/molecular biology has led to emerging approaches to integrate biologically active components, such as cells, proteins and DNAs, into micro and nanofabricated devices. These bioengineered systems present exciting opportunities to serve as vehicles for biomedical and biopharmaceutical applications.

Research

Research Interests

Biomedical nanotechnology
Stem cell technology
Biomaterials
Tissue engineering
Gene therapy
Nanomedicine

Bioengineering Trabecular Meshwork Complex for Outflow Physiology and High-throughput Anti-glaucoma Screening

Glaucoma is an age-related disease and a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) represents 90% of glaucoma cases. POAG is characterized by the presence of an open, normal-appearing anterior chamber angle together with increased intraocular pressure (IOP). IOP is determined by the balance between aqueous humor production and elimination (so-called outflow). Human trabecular meshwork (HTM) along with its underlining human Schlemm’s canal (HSC) endothelial cells (so-called conventional outflow pathway) controls the majority aqueous humor outflow and determines the IOP, which is the only modifiable risk factor of glaucoma. The current perfusion study is heavily relied on the use of ex vivo anterior segment culture from donors, which is expensive, difficult to prepare and not suitable for high-throughput testing. Generation of a functional in vitro model of the conventional outflow pathway that allows further understanding of outflow physiology and high throughput screening is of high significance. To address this need, Dr. Xie and collaborators have invented the Artificial Conventional Outflow System (ACOS) using primary cells and stem cells grown on microfabricated scaffolds that provides a unique in vitro platform for understanding outflow physiology, drug screening of IOP-modulating agents and therapeutic development for glaucoma.

Control of Embryonic Stem Cell Fate Using Nanoengineered Microenvironments

Pluripotent stem cells have great potential as unlimited cell sources to treat many major human diseases, including cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, diabetes and cancer. Pluripotent stem cell maintenance and differentiation are governed by a unique local microenvironment. A key challenge in stem cell research is to develop an in vitro system that accurately recapitulates functions of the in vivo microenvironment. Our goal is to engineer an in vivo-like stem cell microenvironment to control stem cell expansion and differentiation. The integration of 3-D cues, surface chemistry, drug delivery, microfluidics and nanotechnology will provide a valuable microsystem for better understanding stem cell- microenvironment interaction, efficiently differentiating stem cells and facilitating stem cell self-assembly into functional organoids. It will not only set a stage for further understanding stem cell fate decisions but also allow us to develop techniques and strategies for disease modeling, drug development, therapeutic screening, tissue repair and regenerative medicine.

Bioengineering Embryonic Microenvironments to Understand and Restrict Breast Cancer Metastasis

Breast cancer is the most prevalent disease among women worldwide. Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer death. The interaction between cancer cells and their microenvironments plays a crucial role in cancer metastasis. Invasive cancer cells have been linked to embryonic stem cells (ESCs) due to certain similar gene signatures and the convergence of tumorigenic and embryonic pathways. However, embryonic signaling molecules are misexpressed in invasive cancer cells and critical regulators of these signaling pathways are missing in a tumor microenvironment. Since embryonic signaling pathways are tightly controlled in ESCs, bioengineered ESC microenvironments have great potential to supply critical signaling molecules and reprogram the abnormal embryonic signaling pathway in tumors. One of our research goals is to bioengineer embryonic microenvironments using 3D hydrogel and to utilize in vitro dynamic embryonic microenvironments to study ESC-metastatic breast cancer cell interactions. This bioengineering approach provides a unique opportunity for better understanding and effectively restricting metastasis.

Grants/Funding

Active

National Eye Institute (NEI)
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
National Science Foundation (NSF)

Past

National Science Foundation (NSF)
National Institute of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
New York Stem Cell Science (NYSTEM)
New York State Spinal Cord Injury Research Board (NYSCIRB)
FuzeHub Manufacturing Grant
The New York State Center for Advanced Technology in Nanomaterials and Nanoelectronics (CATN2)
SUNY Health Network of Excellence Award
SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund (TAF)
SUNY Faculty Research Seed Grant
The University at Albany Faculty Research Awards Programs (FRAP)
The Minerva Center Innovation Funding for Research & Creative Endeavors

Publications

Book

Y. Xie, Ed. The Nanobiotechnology Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Nov. 29, 2012, 692 Pages.

Book Chapters

A.M. Unser, Y. Xie. Electrospinning of nanofibers. In: The Nanobiotechnology Handbook (Ed. Y. Xie), Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, pp. 293-320, 2012.
R. Kumar, S. Smith, J. McNeilan, M. Keeton, J. Sanders, A. Talamo, C. Bowman, Y. Xie. Butterfly wing-inspired nanotechnology. In: The Nanobiotechnology Handbook (Ed. Y. Xie), Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, pp. 203-222, 2012.

Peer-Reviewed Publications

A. Valarezo, P. Ramesh, R. Du, R. Sharma, E. Davis, S. T. Sharfstein, J. Danias, Y. Du, Y. Xie. Bioengineered 3D human trabecular meshwork models for outflow physiology and glaucoma research. Bioengineering, 13(3):291 (2026).
P. Ramesh, J. Castracane, M. Larsen, D. A. Nelson, S. T. Sharfstein, Y. Xie. Cryoelectrospun elastin-alginate scaffolds support in vitro 3D epithelial-stromal cocultures for salivary tissue engineering. Gels, 11(12):998 (2025).
F. Pesantez Torres, A. Manning, M. B. Paredes-Espinosa, N. Tokranova, T. Bertucci, T. R. Kiehl, J. L. Paluh, N. Cady, Y. Xie, S. Sharfstein. 3D flexible self-folding microelectrode array for organoid electrophysiology analysis. Cell Biomaterials, 1(11):100179 (2025).
F. Pesantez Torres, E.C. Feret, Y. Xie, S. T. Sharfstein. Real-time monitoring of the cytotoxic effect of oxygen-sensitive fluorescent poly(styrene-maleic anhydride) nanoparticles using electrical-substrate impedance sensing. ACS Applied Bio Materials, 8(10):9322-9331 (2025).
P. Ramesh, R. Pena, J. M. Morrissey, N. Moskwa, K. Tubbesing, X. Zhang, D. Nelson, J. Castracane, A. Khmaladze, S. T. Sharfstein, M. Larsen, Y. Xie. Cryoelectrospun elastin-alginate scaffolds as potential cell delivery vehicles for mesenchymal stromal cell therapy. Scientific Reports, 15(1):19847 (2025).
S. Hasan, C. Brisbois, K. E. W. Carufe, A. Johnson, J. Garrison, L. Sfakis, V. Brunner, M. Albrecht, A. Panneerselvam, L. Talman, Y. Xie, R. L. Brainard. Bio Roll-Up: self-assembly of hydrogel photoresists. Journal of Photopolymer Science and Technology, 38(3):187-195 (2025).
Y. Xie. Cellular self-organization in hydrogel. Scientia Sinica Chimica, 67:1–21 (2024).
S. C. R. Kollampally, X. Zhang, N. Moskwa, D. A. Nelson, S. T. Sharfstein, M. Larsen, Y. Xie. Evaluation of alginate hydrogel microstrands for stromal cell encapsulation and maintenance. Bioengineering, 11(4):375 (2024).
S. C. Rose, M. Larsen, Y. Xie, S. T. Sharfstein. Salivary gland bioengineering. Bioengineering, 11(1):28 (2024).
F. Pesantez Torres, N. Tokranova, E. Amodeo, T. Bertucci, T. R. Kiehl, Y. Xie, N. C. Cady, S. T. Sharfstein. Interfacing neural cells with typical microelectronics materials for future manufacturing. Biosensors & Bioelectronics, 242:115749 (2023).
L. A. Beardslee, J. R. Halman, A. M. Unser, Y. Xie, J. Danias, M. Bergkvist, S. T. Sharfstein, K. Y. Torrejon. Recreating the trabecular outflow tissue on implantable, micropatterned, ultrathin, porous polycaprolactone scaffolds. Bioengineering, 10:679 (2023).
M. Jorgensen, P. Ramesh, M. Toro, E. Evans, N. Moskwa, X. Zhang, S. T. Sharfstein, M. Larsen, Y. Xie. Alginate hydrogel microtubes for salivary gland cell organization and cavitation. Bioengineering, 9(1):38 (2022).
P. Ramesh, N. Moskwa, Z. Hanchon, A. Koplas, D. A. Nelson, K. L. Mills, J. Castracane, M. Larsen, S. T. Sharfstein, Y. Xie. Engineering cryoelectrospun elastin-alginate scaffolds to serve as stromal extracellular matrices. Biofabrication, 14(3): 035010 (2022).
Y. Xie, S. C. R. Kollampally, M. Jorgensen, Zhang, X. Alginate microfibers as therapeutic delivery scaffolds and tissue mimics. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 247(23):2103-2118 (2022).
M. Jorgensen, A. Gibbons, K. Sui, R. Carpenter, X. Zhang, Y. Xie. Predictable fabrication of pre-made alginate hydrogel microtubes for stem cell aggregation using needle-in-needle devices. Biofabrication, 13(3): 035043 (2021).
Y. I. Tian, X. Zhang, K. Torrejon, J. Danias, Y. Du, Y. Xie. Biomimetic, stem-cell derived in vitro ocular outflow model. Advanced Biosystems, 4:2000004 (2020).
Y. I. Tian, X. Zhang, K. Torrejon, J. Danias, S. Gindina, A. Nayyar, Y. Du, Y. Xie. Bioengineering approach to Schlemm’s canal-like stem cell differentiation for in vitro glaucoma drug screening. Acta Biomaterialia, 105:203-213 (2020).
Z. Olmsted, C. Stigliano, A. Badri, F. Zhang, A. Williams, M. A. G. Koffas, Y. Xie, R. J. Linhardt, J. Cibelli, P. J. Horner, J. L. Paluh. Fabrication of homotypic neural ribbons as a multiplex platform optimized for spinal cord delivery. Scientific Reports, 10:12939 (2020).
N. Amini, J. L. Paluh, Y. Xie, V. Saxena, S. T. Sharfstein. Insulin production from hiPSC-derived pancreatic cells in a novel wicking matrix bioreactor. Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 117:2247-2261 (2020).
B. Mooney, Y. I. Tian, E. Rousseau, Y. Xie. Understanding convergent signaling regulation in metastatic breast cancer cells using a bioengineered stem cell microenvironment. Journal of Cancer Metastasis and Treatment, 5:19 (2019).
Y. Tian, R. Davis, M. R. Zonca Jr, J. H. Stern, S. Temple, Y. Xie. Screening and optimization of potential injection vehicles for storage of retinal pigment epithelial stem cell before transplantation. Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 13 (1):76–86 (2019).
J. H. Stern, Y. Tian, J. Funderburgh, G. Pellegrini, K. Zhang, J. L. Goldberg, R. R. Ali, M. Young, Y. Xie, S. Temple. Regenerating eye tissues to preserve and restore vision. Cell Stem Cell, 22:834-849 (2018). (Feature article and cover art)
B. Mooney, N. Abdul-Raof, Y. Tian, Y. Xie. Restriction of cancer metastatic potential using embryonic stem cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogel microstrands. ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, 3(8):1769-1779 (2017).
Y. Tian, M. R. Zonca Jr., J. Imbrogno, A. M. Unser, L. Sfakis, S. Temple, G. Belfort, Y. Xie. Polarized, cobblestone, human retinal pigment epithelial cell maturation on a synthetic PEG matrix. ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, 3(6):890-902 (2017).
K. Y. Torrejon, E. L. Papke, J. R. Halman, M. Bergkvist, J. Danias, S. T. Sharfstein, Y. Xie. TGFβ-2-induced outflow alterations in a bioengineered trabecular meshwork are offset by a rho-associated kinase inhibitor. Scientific Reports, 6:38319 (2016).
K. Y. Torrejon, E. L. Papke, J. R. Halman, J. Stolwijk, C. N. Dautriche, M. Bergkvist, J. Danias, S. T. Sharfstein, Y. Xie. Bioengineered glaucomatous 3D human trabecular meshwork as an in vitro disease model. Biotechnology Bioengineering, 113(6):1357-68 (2016).
A. M. Unser, B. Mooney, D. T. Corr, Y. H. Tseng, Y. Xie. 3D brown adipogenesis to create “Brown-Fat-in-Microstrands.” Biomaterials, 75:123-34 (2016).
C. N. Dautriche, Y. Tian, Y. Xie, S. T. Sharfstein. A closer look at Schlemm's canal cell physiology: implications for biomimetics. Journal of Functional Biomaterials, 6(3):963-85 (2015).
A. M. Unser, Y. Tian, Y. Xie. Opportunities and challenges in three-dimensional brown adipogenesis of stem cells. Biotechnology Advances, 33(6 Pt 1):962-79 (2015).
C. N. Dautriche, D. Szymanski, M. Kerr, K. Y. Torrejon, M. Bergkvist, Y. Xie, J. Danias, W. D. Stamer, S. T. Sharfstein. A biomimetic Schlemm's canal inner wall: A model to study outflow physiology, glaucoma pathology and high-throughput drug screening. Biomaterials, 65:86-92 (2015).
A. D. Dias, A. M. Unser, Y. Xie, D. B. Chrisey, D. T. Corr. Generating size-controlled embryoid bodies using laser direct-write. Biofabrication, 6(2):025007 (2014).
C. Dautriche, Y. Xie, S. Sharfstein. Walking through trabecular meshwork biology: towards engineering design of outflow physiology. Biotechnology Advances, 32(5):971-83 (2014).
M. R. Zonca Jr, P. S. Yune, J. K. Williams, M. Gu, A. M. Unser, J. Imbrogno, G. Belfort, Y. Xie. Enhanced stem cell pluripotency in surface-modified electrospun fibrous matrices. Macromolecular Bioscience, 14(2):215-24 (2014).
K. Y. Torrejon, D. Pu, M. Bergkvist, J. Danias, S. Sharfstein, Y. Xie. Recreating a human trabecular meshwork outflow system on microfabricated porous structures. Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 110(12):3205-3218 (2013).
B. M. Mooney, N. Abdul Raof, Y. Li, Y. Xie. Convergent mechanisms in pluripotent stem cells and cancer: implications for stem cell engineering. Biotechnology Journal, 8:408-419 (2013).
M. R. Zonca Jr., P. S. Yune, C. L. Heldt, G. Belfort, Y. Xie. High-throughput screening of substrate chemistry for embryonic stem cell attachment, expansion and maintaining pluripotency. Macromolecular Bioscience, 13(2):177-190 (2013).
M. R. Zonca Jr., Y. Xie. Chemically modified micro- and nanostructured systems for pluripotent stem cell culture. BioNanoScience, 2(4):287-304 (2012).
T. B. Phamduy, N. Abdul Raof, N. R. Schiele, Z. Yan, D. T. Corr, Y. Huang, Y. Xie, D. B. Chrisey. Laser direct-write of single microbeads into spatially ordered patterns. Biofabrication, 4:025006 (2012).
N. Abdul Raof, B. M. Mooney, Y. Xie. Bioengineering embryonic stem cell microenvironments for the study of cancer research. International Journal of Molecular Sciences: Special Issue “Programmable Materials for Mechanobiology,” 12:7662-7691 (2011) (Invited & Feature Article).
N. Abdul Raof, M. R. Padgen, A. Gracias, M. Bergkvist, Y. Xie. One dimensional self-assembly of mouse embryonic stem cells using an array of hydrogel microstrands. Biomaterials, 32(20):4498-505 (2011).
N. Abdul Raof, W. K. Raja, J. Castracane, Y. Xie. Bioengineering embryonic stem cell microenvironments for exploring inhibitory effects on metastatic breast cancer cells. Biomaterials, 32(17):4130-9 (2011).
N. Abdul Raof, N. R. Schiele, Y. Xie, D. B. Chrisey, D. T. Corr. The maintenance of pluripotency following laser direct-write of mouse embryonic stem cells. Biomaterials, 32(7):1802-1808 (2011).
N. R. Schiele, D. T. Corr, Y. Huang, N. Abdul Raof, Y. Xie, D. B. Chrisey. Laser-based direct-write techniques for cell printing. Biofabrication, 2(3):032001 (2010).
Y. Xie, J. Castracane. High voltage electric field driven micro-/nanofabrication of polymeric drug delivery systems. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Magazine, 28(1):23-30 (2009).
Y. Xie, Y. Yang, X. Kang, R. Li, L. I. Volakis, X. Zhang, L. J. Lee, D. A. Kniss. Bioassembly of three-dimensional embryonic stem cell-scaffold complexes using compressed gases. Biotechnology Progress, 25(2):535-542 (2009). (Cover Article)
X. Kang, Y. Xie, H.M. Powell, L. J. Lee, M.A. Belury, J. J. Lannutti, D. A. Kniss. Adipogenesis of murine embryonic stem cells in a three-dimensional culture system using electrospun polymer scaffolds. Biomaterials, 28(3):450-458 (2007).
Y. Yang, D. Liu, Y. Xie, L. J. Lee, D. L. Tomasko. Low temperature fusion of polymeric nanostructures using carbon dioxide. Advanced Materials, 19(2):251-254 (2007).
Y. Yang, Y. Xie, X. Kang, L. J. Lee, D. A. Kniss. Assembly of three-dimensional polymeric constructs containing cells/biomolecules using carbon dioxide. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 128:14040-14041 (2006).
Y. Xie, X. Kang, W. E. Ackerman IV, B. H. Rovin, M. B. Landon, D. A. Kniss. Differentiation-dependent regulation of the cyclooxygenase cascade during adipogenesis suggests a complex role for prostaglandins. Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, 8:83-93 (2006).
X. Kang, Y. Xie, D. A. Kniss. Adipose tissue model using three-dimensional cultivation of preadipocytes seeded onto fibrous polymer scaffolds. Tissue Engineering, 11(3-4):458–468 (2005).
L. R. Dunn-Albanese, W. E. Ackerman 4th, Y. Xie, J. D. Iams, D. A. Kniss. Reciprocal expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma and cyclooxygenase-2 in human term parturition. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 190(3):809-16 (2004).
Y. Xie, T. Sproule, Y. Li, H. Powell, J. J. Lannutti, D. A. Kniss. Nanoscale modifications of PET polymer surfaces via oxygen plasma discharge yield minimal changes in attachment and growth of mammalian epithelial and mesenchymal cells in vitro. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, 61(2):234-245 (2002).
D. A. Kniss, Y. Xie, Y. Li, S. Kumar, E. A. Linton, P. Cohen, P. Fan-Havard, C. W. Redman, I. L. Sargent. ED27 trophoblast-like cells isolated from first-trimester chorionic villi are genetically identical to HeLa cells yet exhibit a distinct phenotype. Placenta, 23(1):32-43 (2002).
Y. Xie, S.-T. Yang, D. A. Kniss. Three-dimensional cell-scaffold constructs promote efficient gene transfection: implications for cell-based gene therapy. Tissue Engineering, 7(5):585-598 (2001).

Patents

Issued

Y. Xie, M. Jorgensen, S. Kollampally. Devices and methods of producing tubular systems for cell culture. US Patent 12,570,952, March 10, 2026.
S. Sharfstein, Y. Xie, P. Ramesh, J. Castracane, M. Larsen. Compositions, apparatuses and methods for making and using bioscaffolds. US Patent 12,503,686, Dec. 23, 2025.
M. Bergkvist, S. Brenner, I. Danias, S. Sharfstein, Y. Xie, A. Gracias, K. Y. Torrejon. Bioengineered human trabecular meshwork for biological applications. US Patent 9,506,907, Nov. 29, 2016.

Applications

H. Sui, Y. Xie, D. Sarkar, A. Koplas, J. Garrison, N. Tokranova, Y. Zhang. Porous, polymer-based substrates used in cell cultures and microscopy and methods of forming same. US Patent App. 19/663,087, filed April 29, 2026.
E. C. Feret, S. Sharfstein, Y. Xie. Method and device for fabricating step-index hydrogel optical fibers using hydrodynamic microfluidic focusing. US Provisional Patent App. 64/042,664, filed April 17, 2026.
H. Sui, Y. Xie, D. Sarkar, A. Koplas, J. Garrison, N. Tokranova, Y. Zhang. Designable polymer substrates for correlative light and electron microscopy. US Provisional Patent App. 63/796,503, filed April 29, 2025.
S. Sharfstein, N. Cady, Y. Xie, N. Tokranova, A. Manning, F. Pesantez Torres. Novel three-dimensional, conformal microelectrode arrays for interrogating and manipulating three-dimensional cell culture systems. US Provisional Patent App. 63/791,078, filed April 18, 2025.
Y. Xie, S. C. R. Kollampally, M. Jorgensen. Alginate hydrogel microstrands for stromal cell encapsulation, maintenance and implantation. US Patent App. 18/633,107, filed April 11, 2024. Publication No. US20240350712A1, Oct. 24, 2024.
Y. Xie and S. C. R. Kollampally. Device and methods for producing tubular systems for implantation. US Provisional Patent App. 63/458539, filed April 11, 2023.
S. T. Sharfstein, Y. Xie, P. Ramesh, M. Larsen, J. Castracane, N.L. Moskwa. Compositions, apparatuses and methods for making and using bioscaffolds. US Patent App. 18/108,395, filed Feb. 10, 2023. Publication No. US20240139379A1, May 2, 2024.
Y. Xie, M. Jorgensen, S. C. R. Kollampally. Devices and methods of producing tubular systems for cell culture. US Patent App. 17/153,867, filed Jan. 20, 2021. Publication No. US20230374446A1, Nov. 23, 2023.
S. T. Sharfstein, Y. Xie, P. Ramesh, J. Castracane, M. Larsen. Compositions, apparatuses and methods for making and using bioscaffolds. US Patent App. 17/558,543, filed Dec. 21, 2021. Publication No. US20220195387A1, June 23, 2022.
Y. Xie, K. Torrejon, S. Sharfstein, M. Bergkvist, I. Danias, C. N. Dautriche. Use of vascular cells to create the conventional outflow tract. International Patent App. PCT/IB2017/051424, filed March 10, 2017. Publication No. WO2017130178A2, Aug. 3, 2017. Publication No. WO2017130178A3, Nov. 23, 2017.
M. Bergkvist, S. Brenner, I. Danias, S. Sharfstein, Y. Xie. Bioengineered human trabecular meshwork for biological applications. US Patent App. 13/771,007, filed Feb. 19, 2013. Publication No. US20140038221A1, Feb. 6, 2014.
L. J. Lee, Y. Yang, Y. Xie, D. A. Kniss. Assemblies incorporating biomolecules and/or cells with micro-/nanostructures, and methods of making the same for biological applications. US Patent App. 11/809,787, filed June 1, 2006. Publication No. US20080038710A1, Feb. 14, 2008.
L. J. Lee, S. Wang, Y. Xie, C. Zeng, C. G. Koh, Z. Fei, “Drug and gene delivery by polymer nanonozzle and nanotip cell patch”, US Patent App. 12/090,958, filed Oct. 20, 2006. Publication No. WO2007053802A2, May 10, 2007. Publication No. WO2007053802A3, Jan. 17, 2008.

Talks & Presentations

“Bioengineering strategies for glaucoma: A basic science perspective.” Research Colloquium Series, SUNY College of Optometry, New York City, N.Y., March 27, 2026.
“From micro- and nanofabrication to regenerative engineering.” Colloquium Seminar, Department of Physics, University at Albany, Albany, N.Y., Jan. 30, 2026.
“Bioengineering approach to tackling glaucoma and fibrosis.” Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology 2025 Basic and Translational Research Seminar Series, virtual, April 25, 2025.
“Designable indexing substrates for correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM).” Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) 2025 Annual Conference, San Diego, Calif., Oct. 8-10, 2025.
“The convergence of nanotechnology and regenerative engineering in the era of aging.” NANOvember Lecture Series, Albany, N.Y., Nov. 11, 2024.
“Convergence of AI, nanotechnology and biomedical research in the era of aging.” Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, N.Y., Oct. 4, 2024.
“Regenerative engineering: From micro-/nanofabrication to functional tissue mimetics.” Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y., April 4, 2024.
“Vacuum-driven fabrication, in situ characterization, and application of meter-long cell-laden alginate hydrogel microstrands.” BMES 2024 Annual Conference, Baltimore, Md., Oct. 23-26, 2024.
“Soft tissue-inspired, micro- and nanostructured alginate hydrogel systems for biomedical application.” BMES 2023 Annual Meeting, Seattle, Wash., Oct. 11-14, 2023.
“Regenerative engineering: from cellular imaging to functional outcome assessment.” Workshop for Interaction and Scientific Collaboration (WISC) 2022, Albany, N.Y., Oct. 11, 2022.
“Maintenance of homeostatic stromal phenotype and anti-fibrotic properties of MSC using soft-tissue ecm-mimicking elastin-alginate scaffolds.” International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) Annual Meeting, San Francisco, Calif., June 15-18, 2022.
“ECM mimetic cryoelectrospun scaffold as an MSC delivery vehicle for the remediation of mouse salivary gland fibrosis.” International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) 2020–Virtual, June 23-27, 2020.
“Stem cell and ocular bioengineering.” The 2nd SUNY Poly and University at Albany Combined Symposium, Albany, N.Y., April 5-6, 2019.
“Nanotechnology as a solver for cancer, aging and regeneration.” Albany Medical College Student Retreat, Albany, N.Y., July 30, 2018.
“Stem cells nanotechnology: Aging diseases and regeneration.” SUNY Polytechnic Institute Speed Talks for Industry, Albany, N.Y., May 16, 2018.
“Bioengineering 3D µ-tissues for understanding pathology and drug actions.” Department of Biomedical Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, Penn., May 22, 2015.
“Bioengineering functional human trabecular meshwork outflow systems for anti-glaucoma drug screening.” FAST Congress (Functional Analysis & Screening Technologies) -2nd Annual Engineering Functional 3-D Tissue Models meeting, Cambridge, Mass., Oct. 28-29, 2013.
“Micro-/nanofabrication of 3-D µ-tissue complex for understanding diseases and therapeutics.” Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Department at Florida A&M and Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fla., March 8, 2013.
“Bioengineering embryonic stem cell microenvironment for cancer research and tissue regeneration.” 2011 IEEE 37th Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y., April 1-3, 2011 (Keynote Speaker).
“Nanoengineering biomaterials to mimic stem cell microenvironments.” Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y. Jan. 27, 2010.
“Small feature, big impacts: from nanotechnology to biomedical research.” Phi Tau Phi Fall Meeting on Nanotechnology, New York, N.Y., Nov. 15, 2009 (Honor Speaker).
“A perspective on the future career of chemical engineering.” AIChE Student Chapter at RPI, Troy, N.Y., Nov. 13, 2009.
“Nanoengineered systems for cell engineering and 3-D culture.” The Bioprocessing Summit, Cambridge, Mass., Aug. 24-27, 2009 (Featured Speaker).
“Nanoporous membrane-based cell therapy.” 2009 Workshop on Biomedical Interdisciplinary Research (BIR), Albany Medical College, Albany, N.Y., July 22, 2009.
“Nanoporous membrane-based cell therapy: an engineering approach to immune rejection.” 2008 Workshop on Biomedical Interdisciplinary Research (BIR), Albany Medical College, Albany, N.Y., July 23, 2008.
“Nanoengineering stem cell-based system for biomedical applications.” Department of Biological Science, University at Albany, Albany, N.Y., March 14, 2008.
“Nanoengineered systems for cell therapy and biosensors.” Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Okla., April 16, 2007.
“Biological engineering: a new dimension to chemical engineering education.” Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Okla., April 16, 2007.
“Nanoengineered systems for cell therapy and tissue engineering.” Department of Chemical Engineering, Villanova University, Villanova, Pa., March 28, 2007.
“Nanoengineered cell-based systems for cellular therapy and environmental assessment.” College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University at Albany, Albany, N.Y., March 22, 2007.
“Nanoengineered systems for cell therapy and 3-D tissue construction.” Chemical Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V., March 11, 2007.
“Nanoengineered cell-based systems for cellular therapy and tissue engineering.” Chemical, Materials & Biomolecular Engineering Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn., Feb. 20, 2007.
“Stem cell-based systems for drug delivery and tissue engineering.” Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of California, Irvine, Calif., Dec. 12, 2006.
“Cell-based systems for drug delivery and development.” Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of California, Irvine, Calif., Dec. 11, 2006.

Additional Information

Awards & Honors

ELATES Fellow, Executive Leadership in Academic Technology, Engineering and Science (ELATES) at Drexal, 2026 to 2027
Fellow, SUNY Research Leadership Academy, Stony Brook University Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, 2025 to 2026
AIMBE Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), 2025
Fellow, Provost’s Leadership Academy, University at Albany, 2024 to 2025
Innovator Award, University at Albany, 2023
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities, State University of New York, 2020
Excellence in Teaching Award, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 2020
Hermes of All for Excellence in Teaching, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 2016 to 2017
National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award, 2009 to 2014

Service & Outreach

National

Member, AIMBE Committees (2025 to present)
Representative, National Academies Action Collaborative on Education and Workforce Trajectories in Tech (Tech Action Collaborative) (2025 to present)
Representative, American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Workforce Development Council (WDC) (2025 to present)
Grant Proposal Reviewer, Panelist and Study Section Service (Since 2009)
Invited Technical Reviewer for more than 30 Scientific Journals, such as:
- ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
- ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
- Advanced Materials
- Bioengineering
- Biofabrication
- Biomacromolecules
- Biomaterials
- Biotechnology Advances
- Biotechnology & Bioengineering
- Experimental Biology and Medicine
- Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery
- International Journal of Nanomedicine
- Nano Life
- Nature Nanotechnology
- Progress in Polymer Science.

SUNY

Reviewer, SUNY Research Leadership Academy Applications (2026)

University

Member, Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), University at Albany (2023 to 2027) and SUNY Polytechnic Institute (2019 to 2023)
Member, Women in Science and Health (WISH) Steering Committee, University at Albany (2025 to present)
Organizer, International Women’s Day Celebration Event – Empower Young Women in STEM (2025 to present)
CNSE Representative, Carson Carr Graduate Diversity Fellowship Program, University at Albany (2025 to present)
Member, Steering Committee for Joint CAS, CIHS, and CNSE Seminar Series (2025 to present)
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Student Advisor, University at Albany (2024 to 2025)

College

Chair, CNSE Distinguished Dissertation Award Selection Committee (2026)
Coordinator, CNSE Faculty Mentorship Program (2025 to present)
Organizer, Summer Academy Seminar Series: Research & Professional Growth (2025 to present)
Member, Semiconductor and Microelectronics Leadership Program Review Committee, CNSE (2025 to present)

Department

Nanobioscience Representative, Ph.D. Qualifying Exam Committee (2009 to present)
Member, John J. Sullivan Professional Development Awards Committee (2020 to 2025)

Community

Organizer, NANOvember Lecture Series (2025 to present)
Faculty lead, numerous K-12 education and outreach activities, including on-site K-12 school visits and summer camp visits at the Department of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (former College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering) in Albany Nanotech Complex (2007 to present)