T32 Biomechanics in Regenerative Medicine (BiRM)

What is BiRM?

The Biomechanics in Regenerative Medicine Program is unique in its goal to integrate advanced biomechanics - including theory, modeling, simulation, experimental method design, mechatronics, and advanced manufacturing - with research topics in regenerative medicine, as many targets of regenerative medicine are tissues with a mechanical function. The goal of this training program is to provide a solid foundation for the future workforce in regenerative medicine technology and fill the gaps of a traditional doctoral program in a field that requires fundamental engineering concepts, knowledge of translational medicine, and understanding of manufacturing tools and processes. This goal is accomplished via a highly coordinated and mentored interdisciplinary training program with a combination of required and elective courses, research activities, and specialized training opportunities.

The proposed Training Program incorporates faculty from the Departments of Bioengineering, Cardiology, Mechanical Engineering & Material Sciences, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Science, Ophthalmology, Oral Biology, Orthopedic Surgery, Surgery, Pathology, Periodontics & Preventive Dentistry, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Urology, and the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine of the University of Pittsburgh, as well as faculty from the Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering Departments of Carnegie Mellon University. Their expertise spans a full spectrum from highly theoretical to computational to experimental to applied/translational.

This combination of training faculty research interests and coursework will provide a rich educational experience and more numerous training opportunities for the students than could be obtained within the individual university departments. Moreover, the breadth of research areas that span various physiological systems (cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, dental, ophthalmic, urologic, gynecologic, neural) allows for a unique opportunity to train students to become highly skilled problem solvers while avoiding over specialization.

Since the BiRM training program is not central to any one department, this permits the trainee a much wider choice of options with which to pursue a PhD with foci in both biomechanics and tissue bioengineering/regeneration. In the current paradigm of graduate education, a PhD student in one department that wishes to perform thesis research in a laboratory in another department finds many departmental based administrative roadblocks in his/her path. The BiRM program eliminates these roadblocks and permit highly relevant and specialized educational and research options for its trainees. 

BiRM Brochure 

Current Participating Faculty

University of Pittsburgh

• David Vorp, PhD, PI
• Savio L-Y. Woo, PhD, DSc, DEng, Co-PI
• Steve Abramowitch, PhD
• Alejandro Almarza, PhD
• Fabrisia Ambrosio, PhD, MPT
• Stephen Badylak, DVM, PhD, MD
• Michael Boninger, MD
• Harvey Borovetz, PhD
• Bryan Brown, PhD
• Jennifer Collinger, PhD
• Xinyan Tracy Cui, PhD
• Lance Davidson, PhD
• Mo Ebrahimkhani, MD
• Robert Goitz, MD
• Giuseppe Intini, DDS, PhD
• Kang Kim, PhD
• Katrina Knight, PhD
• Pamela Moalli, MD, PhD
• John Pacella, MD
• Anne Robertson, PhD
• Peter Rubin, MD
• Warren Ruder, PhD
• Charles Sfeir, DDS, PhD
• Sanjeev Shroff, PhD
• Ian Sigal, PhD
• Tatum Tarin, MD
• Gelsy Torres-Oviedo, PhD
• Edith Tzeng, MD
• Kenneth Urish, MD, PhD
• Jonathan Vande Geest, PhD
• William Wagner, PhD
• James Wang, PhD
• Justin Weinbaum, PhD
• Ioannis Zervantonakis, PhD

Carnegie Mellon University

• Keith Cook, PhD, Co-PI
• Rosalyn Abbott-Beauregard, PhD
• Christopher Bettinger, PhD
• Tzahi Cohen-Karni, PhD
• Kris Dahl, PhD
• Adam Feinberg, PhD
• Jana Kainerstorfer, PhD
• Philip LeDuc, PhD
• Carmel Majidi, PhD
• Xi Ren, PhD
• Rebecca Taylor, PhD
• Dennis Trumble, PhD
• Yu-li Wang, PhD
• Jessica Zhang, PhD 

BiRM Curriculum