Surface Characterization & Modification

The Surface Characterization and Modification Special Interest Group emphasizes two major research topics: 1) improving understanding of biomaterial surface structure and its relationship to biological performance, and 2) developing surface modification strategies for biomaterials. Some research areas that fall under these topics include spectroscopic, microscopic, and biochemical surface characterization, thin film deposition; chemical and ion surface modification; lubrication, passivation/corrosion, and biological films; and quality assurance of device surfaces. This Special Interest Group will be active in arranging workshops, symposia, and annual meeting sessions for the Society. Through these venues the Special Interest Group will provide a forum for exchange of ideas, methods, and expertise in surface characterization and modification.

Officers

Chair: Juan Beltran-Huarac, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Physics 
Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences
East Carolina University
Howell Science Complex
Greenville, NC 27587
t: (252) 328-4132
e: beltranhuaracj19@ecu.edu

Vice Chair: Hitesh Handa, PhD
Distinguished Faculty Fellow | Associate Professor
School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering
Department of Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Sciences
302 East Campus Rd, Room 2214
Athens, GA 30602
t: (706) 542-8109
e: hhanda@uga.edu

Secretary/Treasurer: Elizabeth Joy Brisbois, PhD
Assistant Professor
University of Georgia
Riverbend Research Laboratories South
130 Riverbend Road
Athens, GA 30602
t: (706) 542-1653
e: ejbrisbois@uga.edu

Program Chair: Mark Garren, PhD
Clinical Assistant Professor
UGA College of Engineering
302 East Campus Rd, Room 2215
Athens, GA 30602
t: (229) 506-8410
e: mgarren@uga.edu

Web Contact: Prabhleen Kaur, PhD
Graduate Student
University of Washington
UW BioEngineering
3720 15th Ave NE
N330 B
Seattle, WA 98105
e: pkaur@uw.edu

Student Contact: Megan Douglass, PhD
Student
University of Georgia
220 Riverbend Pkwy
Athens, GA 
e: mgndglss@uga.edu

Industry Representative: Shaunak Pandya, PhD
Principal Scientist, R&D
Prolong Pharmaceuticals
300B Corporate Ct.
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
O:(908) 274-3544
E: pandyasg21@gmail.com

Biomaterials Forum Reporter: TBD

Past Chair: Christina Bailey-Hytholt, PhD
Affiliate Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering
Worcester Polytechnic Institute 
60 Prescott St.
Worcester, MA 01605
e: cmbailey@wpi.edu

Every biomaterial has a surface! Useful Links

 

Back to SIGs overview