Profile

My work focuses on engineering intervertebral disc tissue that thrives in an inflammatory environment and produces a mechanically functional and restorative tissue. Our lab is focused on engineering cell function to better control tissue development in engineered tissues. We use recent advances in CRISPR gene editing and epigenetic control of gene expression to precisely control cell activity in engineered tissues. Additionally, we use cell printing for localized control of engineered tissue phenotypes. Our application is applying these techniques for use in tissue engineering and gene therapy for the treatment of back pain associated with intervertebral disc degeneration and damage.