Jose García, a bioengineering graduate student based in the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, is engaged in some ambitious, groundbreaking research. He's working to develop engineered hydrogels to improve the engraftment of stem cells and ultimately enhance bone healing. And his research is getting some national attention.

García, who works in the lab of Petit Institute researcher Andrés García (no relation), has been honored with a 2016 Society for Biomaterials Student Award for Outstanding Research.

The Society for Biomaterials (SFB), which promotes advances in biomedical research and development, annually recognizes significant contributions to the field of biomaterials science from industry, academia, regulatory agencies and students. 

The 2016 awards and respective recipients include: 

• Founders Award: Cato Laurencin, MD, PhD (University of Connecticut)

• Clemson Award for Applied Research: Justin Hanes, PhD (The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine) 

• Clemson Award for Basic Research: Molly Stevens, PhD (Imperial College of London)

• Clemson Award for Contributions to the Literature: Rocky Tuan, PhD (University of Pittsburgh)

• C. William Hall Award: Jim Curtis, PhD (Dow Corning Corporation)

• SFB Award for Service: Alan Litsky, MD, ScD (Ohio State University)

• Technology, Innovation and Development Award: Joseph Salamone, PhD (Rochal Industries LL)

• Young Investigators Award: Fan Yang, PhD (Stanford University)

• Student Awards for Outstanding Research: Jose García (Georgia Institute of Technology)

• Student Awards for Outstanding Research: Abigail Erin Loneker (University of Pittsburgh)

• Student Awards for Outstanding Research: Veronica Ibarra (Illinois Institute of Technology)

“Every year we recognize our members for their outstanding achievements in the biomaterials industry, whether it be from industry, academia, regulatory agencies or from the student population,” said Tom Webster, SFB president. “The 2016 recipients have shown tremendous thought leadership in their respective fields. I commend each and every one of them on this achievement and look forward to their continued contributions to our industry and Society.” 

García is a trainee in the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) program in Stem Cell Manufacturing, awarded to Georgia Tech in 2010 to educate and train the first generation of Ph.D. students in the transition and commercialization of stem cell technologies for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biological engineering with a concentration in biomechanics from the University of Florida in May 2012.

The recipients are honored for their contributions to advancing the Society’s objectives and goals in a variety of ways and will be honored during the 2016 World Biomaterials Congress, May 18, 2016, Montreal, Canada.

CONTACT:

Jerry Grillo
Communications Officer II
Parker H. Petit Institute for
Bioengineering and Bioscience