# Ecker Lab > Smart Polymers for Biomedical Applications ## Posts - [New Publication: Elucidating the Chemistry Behind Thiol-Clickable GelAGE Hydrogels for 3D Culture Applications](https://eckerlab.com/new-publication-elucidating-the-chemistry-behind-thiol-clickable-gelage-hydrogels-for-3d-culture-applications/): We are excited to share that our newest manuscript has been published in Gels! Congratulations to Sara for her first paper with the lab!! Our study investigates a novel thiol–ene based GelAGE hydrogel system designed to overcome key limitations of traditional covalently crosslinked gelatin hydrogels. By elucidating the molecular mechanism behind gelatin functionalization and crosslinking, we established a mechanistic framework for tunable, biocompatible 3D matrices that better mimic the viscoelastic and structural properties of cartilage. These insights pave the way for advanced in vitro models for osteoarthritis research and future applications in tissue engineering. Abstract Although covalently crosslinked gelatin hydrogels ... Read more - [Congratulations to Dr. Joy-anne Najwa Oliver on Her Successful Ph.D. Defense!](https://eckerlab.com/congratulations-to-dr-joy-anne-najwa-oliver-on-her-successful-ph-d-defense/): We are proud to celebrate Dr. Joy-anne Najwa Oliver for successfully defending her doctoral dissertation titled“Investigating the Effect of Boron Oxide Substitution in the 6P55 Glass Composition for Designing an Appropriate Bioactive Coating for Ti6Al4V: Melt-Quench Synthesis and Computational, Thermal, and Biological Analysis.” Joy-anne’s research provides valuable insights into the development of boron-modified bioactive glasses for biomedical coatings, advancing the design of materials that can enhance the biocompatibility and performance of titanium-based implants. Her work was co-advised by Dr. Melanie Ecker (Department of Biomedical Engineering) and Dr. Jincheng Du (Department of Materials Science and Engineering). This interdisciplinary collaboration highlights the ... Read more - [Ecker Lab at the 41st Southwest Biomedical Engineering Conference (SBEC)](https://eckerlab.com/ecker-lab-at-the-41st-southwest-biomedical-engineering-conference-sbec/): The Ecker Lab proudly participated in the 41st Southwest Biomedical Engineering Conference (SBEC), hosted at the University of Texas at Tyler. It was a fantastic weekend filled with innovative research, engaging discussions, and opportunities to connect with fellow scientists and engineers across the biomedical field. Dr. Melanie Ecker served on the conference planning and organization committee and had the pleasure of hosting the Biomaterials session, which featured keynote speaker Dr. Taylor Ware from the Texas A&M. Our lab was well represented by two of our talented researchers: Both presentations were met with enthusiasm and thoughtful questions, highlighting the Ecker Lab’s ... Read more - [Celebrating Dr. Ecker’s Promotion to Associate Professor with Tenure!](https://eckerlab.com/celebrating-dr-eckers-promotion-to-associate-professor-with-tenure/): Congratulations to Dr. Melanie Ecker on Promotion to Associate Professor with Tenure!We are thrilled to share that Dr. Melanie Ecker has been promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Texas! This milestone recognizes Dr. Ecker’s outstanding contributions to research, teaching, and service. Her innovative work on smart polymers, hydrogels, and biomedical shape-memory materials continues to advance the fields of biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Beyond her research achievements, Dr. Ecker is deeply committed to mentoring students, fostering collaboration, and building a supportive academic community. Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved ... Read more - [Congratulations to Our Recent Graduates!](https://eckerlab.com/congratulations-to-our-recent-graduates/): We are thrilled to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our recent graduates from the Smart Polymers for Biomedical Applications Lab. Over the past year, these outstanding students have contributed to our research with dedication, curiosity, and an unyielding commitment to advancing the field of biomedical engineering. Undergraduate Graduates: We are especially excited to share that Marc Anthony Torres will be continuing his journey with us as he pursues his Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. His passion for research and commitment to learning make him a fantastic addition to our graduate team. Master’s Graduate: Sara’s exceptional work in our ... Read more - [New Publication: The Effect of Boron Oxide on the Structures and Thermal Properties of Phosophosilicate Bioactive Glasses for Metallic Implants’ Coatings](https://eckerlab.com/new-publication-the-effect-of-boron-oxide-on-the-structures-and-thermal-properties-of-phosophosilicate-bioactive-glasses-for-metallic-implants-coatings/): We are thrilled to announce the publication of our latest paper in Applied Sciences! Congratulations to Najwa and the team for their work on “The Effect of Boron Oxide on the Structures and Thermal Properties of Phosphosilicate Bioactive Glasses for Metallic Implants’ Coatings.” This research provides valuable insights into enhancing bioactive glass formulations, contributing to the development of advanced coatings for metallic implants. Great job, everyone! Title: The Effect of Boron Oxide on the Structures and Thermal Properties of Phosphosilicate Bioactive Glasses for Metallic Implants’ Coatings Authors: Oliver, J.N.; Xie, W; Du, J; Ecker, M. Journal: Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1293 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031293 Abstract: To design ... Read more - [Annual Lab Summer Party: A Delicious and Fun-Filled Celebration](https://eckerlab.com/annual-lab-summer-party-a-delicious-and-fun-filled-celebration/): We’re excited to share some highlights from our annual lab summer party, held this June. This year’s celebration was a potluck with an amazing variety of delicious foods brought by our talented and creative lab members. We had a fantastic and creative fruit bowl, mouth-watering burgers and hotdogs, buttery corn on the cob, flavorful biryani, crispy egg rolls, and a show-stopping red velvet cake. The spread was a true feast, and everyone enjoyed sampling all the tasty dishes. Beyond the incredible food, the party was filled with laughter, fun activities, and great conversations. It was a perfect chance for everyone ... Read more - [Celebrating the Graduation of Qichan Hu: A Landmark Achievement in Our Lab's Journey](https://eckerlab.com/celebrating-the-graduation-of-qichan-hu-a-landmark-achievement-in-our-labs-journey/): We are thrilled to share another momentous achievement in our lab’s history—the graduation of Qichan Hu, our second PhD student! Qichan has been an integral part of our research community, and her dedication, passion, and hard work have left an indelible mark on our lab. The Journey: Qichan embarked on her doctoral journey with us in the Fall of 2019, bringing not only her academic prowess but also a contagious enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration. Throughout her years with us, she has been a beacon of inspiration for her peers and an invaluable asset to our research ... Read more - [New Publication: Screening of MMP-13 Inhibitors Using a GelMA-Alginate Interpenetrating Network Hydrogel-Based Model Mimicking Cytokine-Induced Key Features of Osteoarthritis In Vitro](https://eckerlab.com/new-publication-screening-of-mmp-13-inhibitors/): We are delighted to announce the publication of our latest research in Polymers, marking a significant milestone for our team. This paper represents the first publication for Alessandra Palladino and a key contribution from Qichan Hu towards her PhD thesis: Title: Screening of MMP-13 Inhibitors Using a GelMA-Alginate Interpenetrating Network Hydrogel-Based Model Mimicking Cytokine-Induced Key Features of Osteoarthritis In Vitro Authors: Hu, Q.; Williams, S.L.; Palladino, A.; Ecker, M. Journal: Polymers 2024, 16, 1572 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16111572 Abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease characterized by irreversible cartilage degradation. Current clinical treatments lack effective pharmaceutical interventions targeting the root causes ... Read more - [Spotlight on Alessandra: Celebrating Her Achievements](https://eckerlab.com/spotlight-on-alessandra/): We are proud to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Alessandra Palladino, a standout member of our Smart Polymers Lab. Alessandra has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering (BMEN) from the University of North Texas, achieving summa cum laude honors. Her dedication and excellence have also earned her the title of Outstanding Senior from our department. In addition to her academic achievements, Alessandra and her team, DEOS Solutions, won the prestigious prize for the best senior design project. This accolade is a testament to her innovative thinking and commitment to practical applications in biomedical engineering. Alessandra’s journey ... Read more - [Smart Polymers Lab at the North Texas Biomedical Engineering & Science Symposium](https://eckerlab.com/north-texas-biomedical-engineering-science-symposium/): We are thrilled to share that our Smart Polymers Lab recently participated in the North Texas Biomedical Engineering & Science Symposium hosted by the Alpha Eta Mu Beta (AEMB) student organization. This event brought together students from the University of North Texas (UNT) and other universities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to discuss the latest advancements in biomedical engineering and science. Our lab presented two posters showcasing our cutting-edge research on shape memory polymers and hydrogels. These posters highlighted our latest findings and innovations, contributing to the growing body of knowledge in the field of smart polymers for biomedical applications. ... Read more - [Smart Polymers Lab Shines at the 2024 UNT College of Engineering Research Showcase](https://eckerlab.com/2024-unt-ceng-research-showcase/): The 2024 UNT College of Engineering Research Showcase provided an excellent platform for our Smart Polymers Lab to exhibit our cutting-edge research. We proudly presented three posters highlighting the innovative work being conducted in our lab. Chloe and Alessandra showcased their research on measuring the antimicrobial properties of bioactive glasses. Their study focused on the potential applications of these materials in preventing infections and enhancing the effectiveness of medical devices. The detailed analysis and promising results drew significant attention from attendees, emphasizing the critical impact of their work in the field of biomaterials. Raj and Jack presented their research on ... Read more - [New Publication: Precision Engineering of Chondrocyte Microenvironments: Investigating the Optimal Reaction Conditions for Type B Gelatin Methacrylate Hydrogel Matrix for TC28a2 CellsNew Publication:](https://eckerlab.com/new-publication-precision-engineering/): The newest publication from our lab is now available online! This research was led by Qichan and is co-authored by Marc Anthony. Abstract Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) is a photocrosslinkable biomaterial that has gained widespread use in tissue engineering due to its favorable biological attributes and customizable physical and mechanical traits. While GelMA is compatible with various cell types, distinct cellular responses are observed within GelMA hydrogels. As such, tailoring hydrogels for specific applications has become imperative. Thus, our objective was to develop GelMA hydrogels tailored to enhance cell viability specifically for TC28a2 chondrocytes in a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture setting. We investigated GelMA synthesis ... Read more - [UNT BMES Medical Device Make-a-Thon 2024](https://eckerlab.com/unt-bmes-medical-device-make-a-ton-2024/): The UNT BMES Medical Device Make-a-Thon 2024 has concluded with outstanding success, marking another significant milestone for the University of North Texas’ Department of Biomedical Engineering. Led by Marc Anthony Torres, president of the UNT BMES student chapter, the event brought together some of the brightest minds to tackle pressing medical challenges. This year’s Make-a-Thon focused on developing innovative solutions to treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a condition affecting millions worldwide. Participants were tasked with creating practical and effective medical devices to alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life for GERD patients. Among the many exceptional projects, two ... Read more - [Celebrating a Milestone: Chandani, Our First PhD Graduate!](https://eckerlab.com/celebrating-a-milestone-chandani-our-first-phd-graduate/): We are thrilled to share a momentous achievement in the history of our lab – the graduation of Chandani Chitrakar, our first-ever PhD student! Chandani has been an integral part of our research community, and her dedication, passion, and hard work have left an indelible mark on our lab. The Journey: Chandani embarked on her doctoral journey with us in 2019, bringing not only her academic prowess but also a contagious enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration. Throughout the years, she has been a beacon of inspiration for her peers and an invaluable asset to our research endeavors. ... Read more - [New Publication: Multifaceted Shape Memory Polymer Technology for Biomedical Application: Combining Self-Softening and Stretchability Properties](https://eckerlab.com/new-publication-multifaceted-shape-memory-polymer-technology-for-biomedical-application-combining-self-softening-and-stretchability-properties/): The newest publication from our lab is now online available! This research was led by Chandani and is co-authored by Marc Anthony and Qichan. Abstract Thiol-ene polymers are a promising class of biomaterials with a wide range of potential applications, including organs-on-a-chip, microfluidics, drug delivery, and wound healing. These polymers offer flexibility, softening, and shape memory properties. However, they often lack the inherent stretchability required for wearable or implantable devices. This study investigated the incorporation of di-acrylate chain extenders to improve the stretchability and conformability of those flexible thiol-ene polymers. Thiol-ene/acrylate polymers were synthesized using 1,3,5-triallyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione (TATATO), Trimethylolpropanetris (3-mercaptopropionate) (TMTMP), ... Read more - [We are hiring](https://eckerlab.com/we-are-hiring/): Research Assistant/Ph.D. Position in Polymeric Biomaterials The Smart Polymers for Biomedical Applications Lab (aka the Ecker Lab) in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Texas has an open Ph.D. position for Fall 2023. Project Background The Ecker Lab is conducting research at the intersection of polymer science and biomedical engineering. Our Team is quite diverse and has expertise in Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, and Biology. We combine all those fields to develop next-generation biomedical devices based on smart polymeric materials. These materials consist of shape memory polymers that are responsive to bodily conditions and are mechanically ... Read more - [Dr. Ecker received NSF CAREER Award](https://eckerlab.com/dr-ecker-received-nsf-career-award/): We are excited to share that Dr. Ecker has received the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award to conduct research on Shape Memory Polymers as Biomaterial. CAREER: The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program is a Foundation-wide activity that offers the National Science Foundation’s most prestigious awards in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization. Activities pursued by early-career faculty should build a firm foundation for a lifetime of leadership in integrating education and research. NSF Website ... Read more - [Happy Holidays!](https://eckerlab.com/happy-holidays/): A very special message from Scrappy! The fun fact is, that they made this video in our lab, and our very own Jessica Baas is featured in it! - [New Publication: Thermo/hydration responsive shape memory polymers with enhanced hydrophilicity for biomedical applicationsNew Publication:](https://eckerlab.com/new-publication-thermo-hydration-responsive-shape-memory-polymers-with-enhanced-hydrophilicity-for-biomedical-applicationsnew-publication/): A collaborative project with the Voit Group from UT Dallas. Congratulations, Qichan, for this contribution! Abstract Thiol-ene/acrylate shape memory polymers (SMPs) have sufficient stiffness for facile insertion and precision placement and soften after exposure to physiological conditions to reduce the mechanical mismatch with body tissue. As a result, they have demonstrated excellent potential as substrates for various flexible bioelectronic devices, such as cochlear implants, nerve cuffs, cortical probes, plexus blankets, and spinal cord stimulators. To enhance the shape recovery properties and softening effect of SMPs under physiological conditions, we designed and implemented a new class of SMPs as bioelectronics substrates. ... Read more - [What If Plastics Were Smart? | UNT's The Lab](https://eckerlab.com/what-if-plastics-were-smart-unts-the-lab/): Our research was highlighted by UNT’s YouTube series ‘The Lab’ - [New Publication: Recyclable, Biobased Photoresins for 3D Printing Through Dynamic Imine Exchange](https://eckerlab.com/new-publication-recyclable-biobased-photoresins-for-3d-printing-through-dynamic-imine-exchange/): This work was led by the Smaldone Group from UT Dallas. Lauren and Chandani completed some of the thermomechanical characterizations. Abstract Transimination reactions are highly effective dynamic covalent reactions to enable reprocessability in thermosets, as they can undergo exchange without the need for catalysts, by exposing the materials to external stimuli such as heat. In this work, a series of five biobased vanillin-derived resin formulations consisting of vanillin acrylate with vanillin methacrylate-functionalized Jeffamines were synthesized and 3D-printed using digital light projection (DLP). The resulting thermosets displayed a range of mechanical properties (Young’s modulus 2.05–332 MPa), which allow for an array ... Read more - [New publication: Flexible and Stretchable Bioelectronics](https://eckerlab.com/new-publication-flexible-and-stretchable-bioelectronics/): The first publication of 2022 is now published and online available! Congratulations to Chandani, Eric, and Lauren for their great review paper on stretchable and flexible bioelectronics! Abstract Medical science technology has improved tremendously over the decades with the invention of robotic surgery, gene editing, immune therapy, etc. However, scientists are now recognizing the significance of ‘biological circuits’ i.e., bodily innate electrical systems for the healthy functioning of the body or for any disease conditions. Therefore, the current trend in the medical field is to understand the role of these biological circuits and exploit their advantages for therapeutic purposes. Bioelectronics, ... Read more - [How Can We Use Plastics in a Smart Way? | Melanie Ecker | TEDxUNT](https://eckerlab.com/how-can-we-use-plastics-in-a-smart-way-melanie-ecker-tedxunt/): The TEDx talk on shape memory polymers is now online on YouTube! Check it out: - [Congratulations Grads!](https://eckerlab.com/congratulations-grads/): We want to congratulate all our recent graduates from UNT Biomedical Engineering! Graduates from our lab are: Sukhpreet Singh (MS in BMEN) Eric Hedrick (MS in BMEN) Joy-Anne Najwa Oliver (MS in BMEN) And our Lab Manager: Edward Gates (MS in BMEN) Congratulation to all of you! - [New publication: Incorporation of Novel Elements in Bioactive Glass Compositions to Enhance Implant Performance](https://eckerlab.com/new-publication-incorporation-of-novel-elements-in-bioactive-glass-compositions-to-enhance-implant-performance/): The third publication this year from our lab is now online available. Joy-anne and Olanrewaju have worked together on this book chapter for ‘Bioactive Glass – Recent Advances, New Perspectives and Applications’ from IntechOpen. A hard copy of this book will be available later this year. Abstract Increasing popularities of bioactive-glasses and their potential medical applications have led to countless studies into improving their material characteristics and overall performance. Some scientists hope to create new bioactive-glass compositions, while others seek to merely modify existing ones such as the novel 45S5 bioactive-glass composition; created by Dr. Larry Hench. These modifications aim ... Read more - [Congrats Sukhpreet](https://eckerlab.com/congrats-sukhpreet/): Congratulations to Sukhpreet Singh for successfully defending his Maters’ Thesis on “IN VITRO ELECTROCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF BIOELECTRONIC PROBES”. Sukhpreet was the first M.S. student that did his thesis with our lab and we couldn’t be prouder of his accomplishments. We are wishing you all the best in your future endeavors! - [Independent Study & Mentorship Program](https://eckerlab.com/independent-study-mentorship-program/): I am honored that I could be part of the Frisco ISD Independent Study and Mentorship (ISM) program as a mentor. FISD ISM is a Professional program meant for academically advanced students who go through a rigorous and competitive selection process before being accepted. Within this program students explore their desired field and research about a specific topic and display their knowledge through an original work and product. Manogna’s potfolio But let me start from the beginning. Last year in December, I was approached by Manogna Jonnalagadda, an 11th-grade student from Centennial High School in Frisco. She was asking if I ... Read more - [Learn more about our Ph.D. in BMEN](https://eckerlab.com/learn-more-about-our-ph-d-in-bmen/) - [TEDxUNT](https://eckerlab.com/tedxunt/): The Univerity of North Texas will host an TEDxEvent: I am beyond excited to share that I will present a part of our lab’s research at TEDxUNT! I will be speaking about the shape memory polymers that we are working on within our lab. Stay tuned for more details to come. Topic of the TEDxUNT: Create the Change When? Friday, Oct. 1, 20211-4 p.m Where? UNT University Union, Denton, TX Event registration will open in late August. For more info, please visit the TEDxUNT website or the TEDx website. - [UNT Seed Funding](https://eckerlab.com/unt-seed-funding/): We are happy to announce that the Ecker Lab has received seed funding from UNT for a collaborative research project together with Dr. Diana Berman (MTSE), Dr. Tom Cundari (CHEM), and Dr. Jeff Kelber (CHEM). The project is entitled: “Metal Oxynitrides as Biocompatible Coatings for Medical Device Applications“ The College of Engineering (CENG), College of Science (COS), and the and VPRI office are co-sponsoring targeted seed funding to establish teams of CENG-COS faculty to advance the collection of preliminary data in support of collaborative external research proposal submissions. I am looking forward to a fruitful collaboration! - [Welcome to the Lab!](https://eckerlab.com/welcome-to-the-lab/): A hearty welcome to our new lab members: Christine Beauchamp Manahil Tariq Jessica Baas They’ll be working on hydrogels to expand our research endeavors. - [Congrats Lanre!](https://eckerlab.com/congrats-lanre/): Lanre has received the UNT Honors College Summer Research Scholarship! The Honors College is awarding a limited number of $4,000 Summer Research Scholarships to encourage participation, under the guidance of a faculty mentor, in varied research environments. To qualify, students are responsible for locating a professor who is willing to supervise either ongoing or new research this summer during the 10-week summer session (June 1-August 5). Then, such factors as GPA (minimum of 3.5), intensity and length of past research, existing outcomes—for example, exhibits, performances, co-authorship, or manuscripts under submission or preparation—will figure in our deliberations. - [Congrats 2021 Spring Graduates!](https://eckerlab.com/congrats-2021-spring-graduates/): Congratulations to all recent graduates from UNT Biomedical Engineering. We also have some graduates from our lab: Spring 2021 TAMS Graduates: Karina Ambani (38:55) Wilson Chao (41:06) Alex Fang (42:55) Spring 2021 Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering: Aima Ovai (1:17:42) Congratulations to all of you! We are proud of your accomplishments and wish you all the best for your future endeavours! You will be missed. - [Congrats Eric!](https://eckerlab.com/congrats-eric/): Eric has been accepted into the NSF Research Experience and Mentoring (REM) program! This 2021 Summer Research Experience is hosted by the Department of Physics here at UNT and comes with a stipend of $3,000. The NSF Research Experience and Mentoring (REM) program supports hands-on research and ongoing mentorship in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) for high school students, STEM teachers, undergraduate STEM students, faculty, and veterans. Participants present their research findings and gain career insights at the annual Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM, hosted by NSF and AAAS. Mentors also attend this conference to support the ... Read more - [Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering @UNT](https://eckerlab.com/ph-d-in-biomedical-engineering-unt/): Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering has been approved by THECB! The Department of Biomedical Engineering is proud to announce their latest degree offering – Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering.   Our new Ph.D. program offers two tracks: a traditional research track that will help you progress toward your academic career goal and a one-of-a-kind healthcare start-up management track in collaboration with the G. Brint Ryan College of Business. High-achieving students may apply with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. For more information about the program and to learn how to register, please look at the BMEN Website. - [New publication: Biocompatibility and thermoplastic formability of Pt-based metallic glasses](https://eckerlab.com/new-publication-biocompatibility-and-thermoplastic-formability-of-pt-based-metallic-glasses/): Big thanks to Shweta Jagdale and Dr. Golden Kumar from the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Lab at UT Dallas for allowing us to be part of this collaborative effort on biocompatibility and thermoplastic formability of Pt-based metallic glasses! Great work Qichan on the biocompatibility part of this research. Abstract Pt-based metallic glasses are considered for biomedical applications, but the presence of Ni poses the cytotoxicity concerns. Here, we compare the in vitro cell response and thermoplastic formability of Ni-free and Ni-containing Pt-based metallic glasses. Three glass forming compositions, Pt57.5Cu14.7Ni5.3P22.5, Pt58.7Cu20.3Ag1P20, and Pt57Cu23P20 were investigated. The Ni-free Pt-Cu-Ag-P metallic glass combines the ... Read more - [First paper!](https://eckerlab.com/first-paper/): Congratulations to Qichan for her first paper with our lab! Overview of MMP-13 as a Promising Target for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis Abstract Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease characterized by the destruction of articular cartilage and chronic inflammation of surrounding tissues. Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) is the primary MMP involved in cartilage degradation through its particular ability to cleave type II collagen. Hence, it is an attractive target for the treatment of OA. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of OA initiation and progression remain elusive, and, currently, there are no interventions available to restore degraded cartilage. This review fully ... Read more - [2021 Medical Device Make-A-Thon](https://eckerlab.com/2021-medical-device-make-a-thon/) - [Congrats grad!](https://eckerlab.com/congrats-grad/): Congratulation to all May 2020 graduates from UNT! We are so proud of you and wish you all the best for your future 🙂 Graduates from Ecker Lab are: Lauren Adegoke Nicholas Johnson George Sarkodie This is a list of all graduates from the College of Engineering: We know this year’s a bit different, but that shouldn’t stop us from celebrating. Share a picture or video of yourself on Twitter, and we’ll RT it. Share a photo or video on Instagram, and we’ll include it in our stories. And share it with us on Facebook, and we’ll add you to the ... Read more - [Special Issue](https://eckerlab.com/special-issue/): I am delighted to announce to be the guest editor for the Special Issue “Highly Stretchable Electrode Arrays: Development and Applications” I am looking forward to your submissions! - [George was elected to be the new Vice-Chair of SEDS USA](https://eckerlab.com/george-was-elected-to-be-the-new-vice-chair-of-seds-usa/): We are so happy to announce that George Sarkodie was elected to be the next Vice Chair of SEDS USA – Students for the Exploration and Development of Space. What is SEDS all about? “Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit that empowers young people to participate and make an impact in space exploration. SEDS helps students develop their technical and leadership skills by providing opportunities to manage and participate in national projects as well as to attend conferences, publish their work, and develop their professional network, in order to help students become more ... Read more - [First orders have arrived!](https://eckerlab.com/first-orders-have-arrived/): The first orders have arrived and our lab is slowly getting ready to do some cutting edge research at the interface of materials science and biomedical engineering! - [Grand Opening of the Biomedical Engineering Building](https://eckerlab.com/grand-opening-of-the-biomedical-engineering-building/): On August 29, 2019, we had our grand opening of the new Biomedical Engineering Building here at Discovery Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The 26,250-square-foot building houses open concept labs and classrooms to create a transparent and collaborative environment for cutting-edge research and learning. The $12.6 million biomedical engineering building provides faculty and students with modern classrooms, research labs, facilities for microscopy, cell culture and optics as well as teaching labs and a senior design lab. - [Biomedical Engineering Building Opening](https://eckerlab.com/biomedical-engineering-building-opening/): Join us for the grand opening of the Biomedical Engineering Building at Discovery Park including ribbon-cutting ceremony! The event will start at 2 pm on August 29, 2019. For more information click here. - [First Lab Members](https://eckerlab.com/first-lab-members/): The Ecker Lab welcomes its first member to join with the fall semester! A warm welcome to: Qichan Hu, Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering Chandani Chitrakar, Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering Oluwasuolabomi Idowu, BS in Biomedical Engineering George Sarkodie, BS in Biomedical Engineering Lauren Adegoke, BS in Biomedical Engineering I am looking forward to working with yall! - [EckerLab on Twitter](https://eckerlab.com/eckerlab-on-twitter/): The EckerLab is now on Twitter! Follow us to be up to date about our Lab! - [GRC Bioelectronics](https://eckerlab.com/grc-bioelectronics/): I was attending the first GRC meeting on Bioelectronics. That was a great meeting! It was especially nice, that there were a bunch of young investigators present at this meeting. Some of them were just like me about to start their independent career, others were assistant professors in their first years. - [A fresh start](https://eckerlab.com/hello-world/): The website for the Ecker Lab is now live! Here, you will find news related to our lab in the future. ## Pages - [Osteoarthritis (OA) Research](https://eckerlab.com/osteoarthritis-research/): Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic and progressive joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide, leading to cartilage degradation, joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Unlike inflammatory arthritis, OA is primarily driven by mechanical wear and biochemical changes in the joint, ultimately resulting in the loss of cartilage and changes in the surrounding bone. Current treatments, such as pain management medications, corticosteroid injections, and joint replacement surgeries, focus on symptom relief rather than addressing the underlying mechanisms of cartilage breakdown. Our lab is committed to advancing OA research by exploring targeted therapeutic approaches and developing biomaterials that can support cartilage ... Read more - [Hydrogels in Biomedical Applications](https://eckerlab.com/hydrogels/): Hydrogels are three-dimensional, crosslinked polymeric networks that can retain large amounts of water, making them highly suitable for various biomedical applications. Due to their unique properties, hydrogels can mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), offering an environment conducive to cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. They are widely used in applications such as drug delivery systems, wound healing patches, and scaffolds for 3D cell cultures in tissue engineering. Additionally, their high biocompatibility and ability to adjust mechanical properties make them an ideal choice for use in implantable devices and regenerative medicine. Gelatin-based Hydrogels In our research, we focus on developing gelatin-based ... Read more - [Shape Memory Polymers](https://eckerlab.com/shape-memory-polymers/): Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a class of materials that can undergo a reversible transformation between two or more distinct shapes in response to external stimuli such as temperature, light, or moisture. These polymers exhibit a unique ability to “remember” a predefined shape and return to it upon activation, making them highly versatile for a range of applications. The transition typically involves a temporary shape change induced by an external stimulus, followed by a shape recovery when the material is exposed to a specific trigger, such as heat or chemical changes. Shape Memory Polymers as Biomaterials At the Ecker Lab, ... Read more - [Ensieh Bavi](https://eckerlab.com/ensieh-bavi/): My name is Ensieh Bavi. I am a Ph.D. student in physics at the University of North Texas. I conduct interdisciplinary research with a concentration on the green fabrication of Micro/Nanomaterials for different applications. According to the advances in the field of polymer science and the application of polymers in various fields, my goal is to fabricate polymeric-based materials with a specific physical property for different applications including Biomaterials, Drug delivery, Tissue Engineering, Food Nanotechnology, sustainable materials, and Bioelectronics. Google Scholar - [Praises Ogunbanwo](https://eckerlab.com/praises-ogunbanwo/): Praises Ogunbanwo is a Junior working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in Bioinstrumentation (i.e., a minor in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics). Praises is enthusiastic about bridging the gap between technology and healthcare, thereby tackling significant medical concerns facing the world, particularly in developing nations. Within the lab, she is interested in applying her knowledge and skills to the development and application of polymers in biomedical engineering. Praises is a member of the Society of Women Engineers, the Biomedical Engineering Society, and the Nigerian Students’ Organization. She enjoys doing pilates, cycling, playing tennis, listening to ... Read more - [Raj Kumar Pittala](https://eckerlab.com/raj-kumar-pittala/): Raj Kumar Pittala is Currently pursuing a Ph.D. Degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Texas. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Textile Technology from Osmania University in 2023. He is highly interested in the biomaterials and biopolymers field, with a background in Textile Technology and experience in medical textiles. He believes that Interdisciplinary fields like Biomedical Engineering help build a solid foundation and focus on developing cutting-edge technologies that significantly affect medical research and healthcare. He is currently working on Shape Memory Polymers in biomedical applications and looking forward to researching the underlying mechanism of the ... Read more - [Marc Anthony Torres](https://eckerlab.com/marc-anthony-torres/): Marc Anthony Torres is a Junior currently working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering – pursuing the biomechanics track – with minors in Mechanical and Energy Engineering as well as Math. He intends to obtain his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at the University of North Texas. He goes above and beyond to distinguish himself as a detail-oriented and driven student in all aspects of his academic prowess; whether it be learning a concept, maintaining documents, or academically assisting peers, he always upholds phenomenal standards. He is thrilled to contribute his skills to the Ecker Lab. Aside from academics, ... Read more - [Alessandra Palladino](https://eckerlab.com/alessandra-palladino/): My name is Alessandra, and I am currently working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering with Minors in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. I am excited to be part of Ecker Labs and to be able to conduct research in different fields inside biomedical engineering. I would like to apply research in biology, chemistry, and materials science to improve healthcare and medicine. I am currently working in the lab developing cytotoxicity and antimicrobial tests.  In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing video games, cooking, and listening to music. - [Bioactive Glasses](https://eckerlab.com/bioactive-glasses/): Bioactive glasses were introduced to the world in 1969 by the late Dr. Larry Hench when he developed the novel glass composition 45S5, commercially known as Bioglass®, through discovering the optimized ternary Na2O–CaO–SiO2  structure and incorporating phosphorous into that matrix. This came about after an enlightening, in-depth conversation with a soldier during World War II while on a train to a conference. They discussed the common types of injuries that were sustained, often resulting in avoidable amputation because there was no treatment available at that time to prevent it. That conversation led to the idea to develop a material capable ... Read more - [Ananya Mukund](https://eckerlab.com/ananya-mukund/): Ananya is currently a TAMS student on the traditional science pathway with projected graduation in the Spring of 2023. Her passion for biomedical engineering lies at the intersection of surgical device design and biocompatibility. She is excited to work collaboratively within the Ecker Lab to deepen her knowledge and have experience conducting research regarding bioelectronics and polymeric science. email - [Biocompatibility](https://eckerlab.com/biocompatibility/): For the application of novel biomaterials and coatings for biomedical implants, it is important to ensure the biocompatibility of these materials. In our lab, we utilize in vitro cell viability studies on application-specific cell lines to determine the biocompatibility of our materials, and the materials of our collaborators, at early stages. Most frequently, we perform MTT assays, which are a colorimetric assay for assessing cell metabolic activity. In addition, we qualitatively assess the cell viability by cell staing. Below are the results from our biocompatibility study of Pt-based metallic glasses, which is a collaborative project with Dr. Kumar and his Advanced Materials ... Read more - [Polymeric Biomaterials](https://eckerlab.com/polymeric-biomaterials/): Shape Memory Polymers as Biomaterial This CAREER project aims to elucidate the underlying mechanism of the plasticization-induced shape memory effect of thiol-ene-based polymers. The model application for this material will be heat-shrink tubing that can shrink at bodily conditions (37° C and simulated body fluids) and be used to seal colonic anastomosis. The specific three aims are to The proposed research will advance science by filling the gap in the structure-property relationship of thiol-ene-based SMPs that utilize plasticization for their shape recovery, which is essential for designing future devices. In addition, this innovative biomaterial will allow the broader research community ... Read more - [Bioelectronics](https://eckerlab.com/bioelectronics/): Development of conformal electrode arrays for surface recordings of the enteric nervous system Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder worldwide. It is estimated that 10–15% of the population is affected by IBS. IBS and other GI disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, are diseases that are related to a dysfunction of the enteric nervous system (ENS). Understanding how the dysfunction of enteric nerves is related to GI disorders could help to improve the lives of millions of people. What if we were able to develop a ... Read more - [Group Pictures](https://eckerlab.com/group-pictures/): Summer 2021 - [Alumni](https://eckerlab.com/alumni/): Welcome to the section dedicated to our esteemed alumni who have contributed to the diverse array of research at Smart Polymers for Biomedical Applications Lab. Our graduates embody our lab’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of biomaterials. From pioneering advancements in shape memory polymers to groundbreaking research in hydrogels, our former students have left an indelible mark on both academia and industry. Explore their journeys, achievements, and the impact they continue to make in the realm of biomedical engineering. Niyukti Raut MS Student in BMENLab Member Fall of 2024 to Summer 2025 Kaustubh Gurnani B.S. Student in ... Read more - [Collaborations](https://eckerlab.com/collaborations/): We are not only interested in polymeric biomaterials but in biomaterials in general. And with this, we are always happy to collaborate with others to complement their research with our expertise in mechanical and thermomechanical characterization, and biocompatibility of biomaterials. Our belief is that research, especially in the field of biomedical engineering, should be collaborative and multidisciplinary. We are always looking for collaborations and partners in academia and industry. No project is too small for us. If you are interested in working with us, please contact Dr. Ecker. Below are some of our established collaborations. We collaborate with Dr. Jincheng ... Read more - [Jessica Baas](https://eckerlab.com/jessica-baas/): Jessica is currently working towards her master’s in Biomedical Engineering. She attended the University of North Texas to obtain a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, with minors in Materials Engineering and Mathematics. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, a national honor society, and the Student Advising Committee in the biomedical engineering department. She is working to expand her knowledge of biomaterials and tissue engineering. In the lab, she is working to create drug delivery patches out of gelatin methacrylate. Besides academic pursuits, she enjoys playing with her cat, reading a good book, doing yoga, or cooking new foods.  - [Manahil Tariq](https://eckerlab.com/manahil-tariq/): B.S student majoring in Biomedical engineering with a minor in Mechanical Engineering and a certification in Electromechanical Systems and Mechatronics. With a recent passion to conduct research I am excited to be a part of Ecker Labs and have experience conducting several NIH funded experiments and doing research for glaucoma patients.   I hope to use my knowledge of research in the future to pursue my own company that deals with nanotechnology and prosthetics and my research in biomaterials will help me move forward to knowing how different materials are synthesized to create the best outcome. I will be specializing ... Read more - [Joy-anne Najwa Oliver](https://eckerlab.com/joy-anne-najwa-oliver/): My name is J. Najwa Oliver and I am presently a Ph.D. student in the Materials Science andEngineering department with a concentration in Biomedical Engineering. My ultimate desire inlife is to make a meaningful contribution to the field of tissue engineering. I am a driven studentwho is dedicated to executing high levels of performance in achieving my goals. These qualitieshave rewarded me with many honors and opportunities. Presently, I am conducting research involving the use of magnesium alloys in orthopedic applications. During the summer of 2010, I was carefully selected as one of the few to participate in a research ... Read more - [Olanrewaju Akande](https://eckerlab.com/olanrewaju-akande/): Hello! My name is Lanre Akande and I am a Senior currently attending UNT with a major in Biomedical Engineering. In addition to working in the lab and studying, I am also the President of UNT’s NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) chapter. Outside of academics, I enjoy being physically active, hiking, cooking and watching sports. My goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering or a related field to work as a researcher in a laboratory. email │ Portfolio │LinkedIn - [Aima Ovai](https://eckerlab.com/aima-ovai/): Aima Ovai is a current senior/GradTrack student at the University of North Texas. She is majoring in Biomedical Engineering, with minors in Mathematics and Computer Science. Aima enjoys conducting research in the STEM field and has completed several research projects/papers in the past with professors at Tarrant County College and the University of North Texas. Besides conducting research and attending classes, Aima participates in coding and modeling activities, Hack-a-thons, and Make-a-thons when possible. She also enjoys watching shows and spending time with close friends and family. email - [Karina Ambani](https://eckerlab.com/karina-ambani-2/): Karina is a senior at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science at UNT. She is in the traditional science track and this past summer she participated in a summer research program at UNT to study a professor’s work in the biomedical engineering field at the University of Texas at Austin. In the future, she hopes to pursue her interest in the biomedical engineering field in addition to taking the required courses for a pre-medicine route. In Professor Ecker’s lab, she is learning how to synthesize polymers under the instruction of a graduate student. And outside of the lab, Karina ... Read more - [Our Team](https://eckerlab.com/our-team/): Principal Investigator Melanie Ecker, PhD Associate ProfessorStarted the Lab in Fall 2019 email│Faculty Profile │ Research Gate │ LinkedIn │ X (Twitter) │publons │ Google Scholar Read more Graduate Students Joy-anne Najwa Oliver Ph.D. Candidate in MTSE with a concentration in BMENJoined the lab in the Fall of 2019 LinkedIn│Research Gate Read more Raj Kumar Pittala Ph.D. Student in BMENJoined the lab in the Spring of 2024 LinkedIn Read more Ensieh Bavi Ph.D. Candidate in Physics with a concentration in BMENJoined the lab in the Summer of 2024 Read more Sara Swank Ph.D. Student in BMENJoined the lab in the ... Read more - [Eric Hedrick](https://eckerlab.com/eric-hedrick/): Eric Hedrick is currently working on his Masters in Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Texas. He obtained his undergrad in Biology at the East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. His interests lie in the fields of tissue engineering, reptiles, and biodegradable polymers. Eric currently is studying shape memory polymers in hopes to help enlighten conformal and biocompatible neural devices to study the electrophysiology of the enteric nervous system for the Ecker Lab. His long term goal is to help create organs for the increasing demands that are rising due to the organ donation shortage. Outside of school and ... Read more - [Teaching](https://eckerlab.com/teaching/): Dr. Ecker is teaching in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Texas. Faculty Profile Current Scheduled Teaching: Previous Scheduled Teaching: - [Alex Fang](https://eckerlab.com/alex-fang/): Alex Fang is a junior at TAMS studying biology. His interest in science began when he had the opportunity to work in a lab for one of his science fair projects. He hopes that he will be able to pursue his interests in biomedical engineering and get hands on experience in developing novel biomaterials to help people in need. Alex is also interested in a variety of activities outside of the lab. He loves to spend time listening to music and exploring the world of video games. email - [Equipment](https://eckerlab.com/equipment/): Our lab is fully equipped to perform research at the interface of polymer science and biomedical engineering. Below is a list of our equipment. We are always looking for collaborations and partners in academia and industry. If you are interested in working with us or using any instrumentation found in the Smart Polymers for Biomedical Applications Website, please get in touch with Dr. Ecker. Materials Synthesis and Characterization For the synthesis of our customized polymers, we have: We can cast or spin coat polymers. Curing can be accomplished either through UV irradiation at 254 or 365 nm or thermally. Equipment ... Read more - [Nicholas Johnson](https://eckerlab.com/nicholas-johnson/): Nicholas Johnson is a senior at UNT and will be graduating with a degree in Biomedical Engineering with a focus in material science. His past projects have been at the UNTHSC where he conducted research in the field of Pharmacology. His current interests are in the field of shape memory polymers, where he hopes to learn about and create new types of polymers that can be used in future medical implants. email - [Privacy Policy](https://eckerlab.com/privacy-policy/): Who we are Our website address is: https://eckerlab.com. What personal data we collect and why we collect it Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the ... Read more - [Lauren Adegoke](https://eckerlab.com/lauren-adegoke/): Lauren is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. She is interested in learning about biomaterials for bioelectronics and neural engineering. While in this lab, she is working towards developing flexible electrodes for recording electrodes. When not in the lab she enjoys spending time with family and friends and playing video games. email - [George Sarkodie](https://eckerlab.com/george-sarkodie/): George Sarkodie is a senior at UNT majoring in Biomedical Engineering. His academic goals are getting a graduate degree in Biomedical Engineering while being able to develop and conduct appropriate experimentations in the field of bioastronautics. His love for NASA has lead him to seek research with shape memory polymers for spacesuit design while also helping to advance our understanding of neuro-electric signals in the human body during space flight and future human explorations beyond earth. George is the current Vice Chair of Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) a 501(c)3 non-profit that empowers young people to participate and make an impact ... Read more - [Oluwasuolabomi Idowu](https://eckerlab.com/oluwasuolabomi-idowu/): Oluwasuolabomi Idowu is a current senior at the University of North Texas majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Mechanical and Energy Engineering along with mathematics. Her interests are in Biomaterials as well as Biomechanics and finding the perfect connection between the two. Oluwasuolabomi has currently been involved with Biomedical Engineering research for Active Duty personnel and Veterans working with prostate cancer cells and the use of a depleting agent to send the cancer cells into an apoptosis like cell death. Outside of the lab and classes she enjoys reading fantasy novels, spending time with family and friends, and ... Read more - [Chandani Chitrakar](https://eckerlab.com/chandani-chitrakar/): Chandani Chitrakar is currently pursuing Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Texas. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Texas A&M University in 2016. She is highly interested in medical device design field. With the biomedical engineering background and her experience working for the company like Abbott, she believes that the interdisciplinary field such as biomedical/mechanical engineering can provide a solid academic foundation necessary in the medical device design field. With several years of research experience, she was able to publish papers in several journals. In 2018, ... Read more - [Qichan Hu](https://eckerlab.com/qichan-hu/): Graduate Research Assistant Biomedical Engineering Qichan Hu is a Ph.D. student majoring in Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Texas, focusing on biomaterials. She hopes to utilize biomaterials and technology to develop polymer-based smart carriers for the enhanced release of therapeutic agents to the arthritic joints. Besides conducting research and attending classes, Qichan likes to stay fit and enjoy jogging. She also enjoys watching shows and spending time with close friends and family. email │twitter - [Melanie Ecker](https://eckerlab.com/melanie-ecker/): Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Principal Investigator of the Ecker Lab – Smart Polymers for Biomedical Applications (SPBA). Dr. Ecker is also the academic advisor for the UNT BMES student organization. Dr. Ecker started her Lab in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of North Texas in August 2019 and was promoted to Associate Professor in September 2025. She conducted her postdoctoral studies at the University of Texas at Dallas in Dr. Walter Voit’s Advanced Polymer Research Lab, in close collaboration with Dr. Joseph Pancrazio’s Neural Networks and Interfaces Lab. Dr. Ecker is originally from ... Read more - [Contact](https://eckerlab.com/contact/): We are located at the University of North Texas Discovery Park, 3940 N Elm St, Denton, TX 76207 The Department of Biomedical Engineering is located at the backside of Discovery Park. When you enter the gate, turn right and drive all the way around until you reach parking lot 95. This is where you’ll find the entrance to the K-wing. Physical Address: (For UPS and FedEx) Department of Biomedical EngineeringUNT College of Engineering 3940 N. Elm Street Ste. K220Denton, TX 76207-7102 Mailing Address: (For USPS) University of North TexasDepartment of Biomedical Engineering1155 Union Circle #310440Denton, TX 76203 Privacy Policy - [News](https://eckerlab.com/news/) - [Home](https://eckerlab.com/): The Ecker Lab, aka ‘smart polymers for biomedical applications’ lab, started with two graduate students in the fall semester of 2019. Since then, we have grown constantly. Dr. Ecker is the principal investigator of this lab. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Texas. The research interests of our lab lie in polymer science and biomedical engineering. We actively combine both fields to develop biomedical devices, such as: Our Research Focus Areas are: - [Publications](https://eckerlab.com/publications/): 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 and before Featured Research On the cover of MRS Bulletin and a technical feature Volume 45 – Issue 8 – August 2020 Recent advances in neural interfaces—Materials chemistry to clinical translation Christopher J. Bettinger, Melanie Ecker, Takashi Daniel Yoshida Kozai, George G. Malliaras, Ellis Meng, Walter Voit Our review article was featured in the printed brochure of IOP Multifunctional Materials From Softening Polymers to Multi-Material Based Bioelectronic Devices, Multifunctional Materials 2019, 2 (1),012001. https://doi.org/10.1088/2399-7532/aaed58 Videos Environmental Dynamic Mechanical Analysis to Predict the Softening Behavior of Neural Implants - [Research](https://eckerlab.com/research/): The research interests of our lab lie at the intersection of polymer science and biomedical engineering. Our team is quite diverse and has expertise in Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, and Biology. We want to combine all those fields to develop next-generation biomedical devices based on smart polymeric materials. These materials consist of ‘shape memory polymers’ that are responsive to bodily conditions and are mechanically adaptive to comply with a tissue. Some of our custom polymers are also biodegradable. Additionally, we make sure that our novel materials are biocompatible. Some applications we are interested in are 1) conformal and biocompatible neural ... Read more - [Lab Members](https://eckerlab.com/lab-members/): Principal Investigator Graduate Research Assistants Undergraduate Research Assistants Alumni - [Sample Page](https://eckerlab.com/sample-page/): This is an example page. It’s different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most people start with an About page that introduces them to potential site visitors. It might say something like this: Hi there! I’m a bike messenger by day, aspiring actor by night, and this is my website. I live in Los Angeles, have a great dog named Jack, and I like piña coladas. (And gettin’ caught in the rain.) …or something like this: The XYZ Doohickey Company was founded in 1971, ... Read more [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)