Dr. Bryant's research focuses on designing 3D biomaterials, which she employs 3D models to answer fundamental biological questions and designs 3D cell scaffolds to guide tissue growth and integration for regenerative medicine. In particular, her laboratory has a keen interest in understanding mechanotransduction pathways in cells and understanding the importance of loading in tissue regeneration for cartilage, bone, tendon, and cardiovascular tissues. Her laboratory has also been very interested in uncovering the mechanisms of how the body responds to implanted biomaterials and using this knowledge to develop novel strategies that promote healing and facilitate integration of the engineered tissue into the host tissue, supporting long-term function. Through careful control over the 3D environment, particularly in the presence of physiological cues, her lab hopes to better understand cellular processes towards translating her materials-based technologies in vivo and improving functional tissue regeneration and integration.
keywords
tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, biomaterials, mechanotransduction, immunology
CHEN 3210 - Chemical Engineering Heat and Mass Transfer
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2019
Examines conservation and transfer of mass and thermal energy. Focuses on conduction and convection of heat in the context of chemical processes and heat exchangers. Addresses radiation. Also studies mass transfer rate processes, including diffusion, microscopic material balances, and correlations for mass transfer coefficients.
CHEN 5160 - Systems Analysis of Cells and Tissues
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2023
Required for the Biological Engineering PhD. This course explores how to describe signaling and regulation networks present at the cell and tissue level. Topics include gene expression, stem cell differentiation, homeostasis, and others. Formerly CHEN 5160. Recommended prerequisite: prior experience in introductory biology and/or biochemistry, linear algebra, differential equations, thermodynamics, and organic chemistry.
CHEN 5805 - Biological Interactions to Biomaterials
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2020 / Spring 2021
Covers major classes of materials used in medical applications. Provide an in-depth view of advanced biomaterial concepts with a focus on biological interactions with materials that relate to protein and cell interactions, the innate and acquired immune response, blood interactions and infection.
CHEN 5919 - Special Topics in CHBE
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
May be repeated up to 5 total credit hours.
CHEN 5930 - Professional Internship
Primary Instructor
-
Summer 2025 / Fall 2025
This class provides a structure for CHEN and BIEN graduate students to receive academic credit for participating in internship experiences with industry partners that have an academic component consistent with graduate-level education in the engineering arts and sciences. Participation in this class requires an internship agreement between the student and the employment (industry) partner, detailing the academic goals of the internship experience. Instructor participation will include facilitation of mid-term and final assessment of student performance as well as additional educational opportunities during the internship period. May be taken during any term following initial enrollment and participation in CHEN or BIEN graduate programs.
