Overview
The Becker Laboratory for Functional Biomaterials is a multidisciplinary organic materials group working at the interface of chemistry, engineering and medicine. We are developing families of degradable polymers with highly tunable physical and biological properties that are being applied to unmet needs in flexible electronics, soft tissue repair, neural, orthopedic and vascular tissue engineering. We are also actively engaged in additive manufacturing and the development of custom inks …
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Hugo L. Blomquist Distinguished Professor of Chemistry
·
2020 - Present
Chemistry,
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of Chemistry
·
2019 - Present
Chemistry,
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science
·
2019 - Present
Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science,
Pratt School of Engineering
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
·
2019 - Present
Biomedical Engineering,
Pratt School of Engineering
In the News
View All News
Recent Publications
Sex-based differences in cell migration on aligned topographies
Journal Article Scientific Reports · December 1, 2025 Sexual dimorphism has been observed in many physiological and pathological responses, yet few studies incorporate both female and male experimental groups for preclinical work. For the development of biomaterial devices, in vitro studies are essential for ... Full text CiteReview of Gaps in the Clinical Indications and Use of Neural Conduits and Artificial Grafts for Nerve Repair and Reconstruction.
Journal Article Biomacromolecules · July 2025 Peripheral nerve injuries remain a significant clinical challenge, with limited tools available to physicians and patients. Although autografts are the gold standard for nerve reconstruction, they are limited by donor-site morbidity and availability. Comme ... Full text CiteResorbable 3D-Printed Osteosynthetic Plates for Rib Fracture Repair.
Journal Article Adv Healthc Mater · June 2025 Rib fractures are common among blunt chest trauma patients and are a hallmark of severe thoracic injury with high morbidity and mortality rates. The standard treatment of most rib fracture cases is limited to pain control and respiratory support, with the ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Pharmacological Sciences Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030Boston Children's/UCLA/Duke Next Generation Regeneration for Osteoarthritis (BUD NextGenRegen for OA)
ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health · 2024 - 2029Biofabrication of Surface-functionalized Composite Grafts for Vascularized Bone Regeneration Following Craniomaxillofacial Trauma
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Ohio State University · 2024 - 2028View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Washington University in St. Louis ·
2003
Ph.D.
Washington University in St. Louis ·
2000
M.A.
Northwest Missouri State University ·
1998
B.S.