Fulbright Scholar to present talk on tissue engineering


LAWRENCE — A leading scientist from one of the world’s largest and most famous groups in tissue engineering will offer insight on the use of green and environmentally friendly technologies for biomaterials processing during a lecture today at the University of Kansas School of Engineering.

Rita Duarte, a research assistant with the world-renowned Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics (3Bs) research group at the University of Minho in Braga, Portugal, will speak at 1:30 p.m. today, May 12, at Eaton Hall in Spahr Engineering Classroom. Duarte is visiting KU as a Fulbright Scholar through the Fulbright Outreach Lecturing Fund and is a guest of Michael Detamore, professor of chemical and petroleum engineering and director of KU’s Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Lab.

“As a successful international scientist and Fulbright Scholar, Rita is an excellent role model for our students and post-doctoral fellows at KU,” Detamore said. “Her lecture will help students gain a greater appreciation for how disciplinary boundaries can be crossed from traditional chemical engineering to modern biomedical engineering.”

Duarte plans to address the different applications of innovative polymer processing techniques. She will give examples that demonstrate the potential of the technology, including the development of biomaterials for bone and cartilage regeneration and for cardiovascular or urological applications.

“It is extremely motivating to work toward the well-being and comfort of patients who will be the ultimate beneficiaries of our research,” Duarte said. “To provide alternatives and solve some of the challenges that arise in tissue engineering is rewarding.”

A recent publication from Detamore’s research group in "Tissue Engineering: Part B," titled “The Future of Carbon Dioxide for Polymer Processing in Tissue Engineering,” spurred Duarte’s interest to connect with KU’s Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Lab and coordinate a visit to campus.

“I have been working in the field for some time, and I found that to be a provocative title for a research paper,” Duarte said. “This visit to KU should encourage discussion and brainstorming on the topic.”

The lecture is open to all students. The student chapters of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the Biomedical Engineering Society are sponsoring the lecture.

Mon, 05/12/2014

author

Cody Howard

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Cody Howard

School of Engineering

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