Current Graduate Students
Tabitha Derr
- Ph.D. Student, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
- B.S., Biomedical Engineering, Geneva College, 2018
Email: td627@drexel.edu
Research Focus: Additive manufacturing of 3D printing of PEEK and PEKK, retrieval analysis of patellas and other orthopaedic components, porous structure 3D printing.
Paul DeSantis
- Ph.D. Student, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
- B.S. / M.S., Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University, 2020
Email: pmd67@drexel.edu
Research Focus: Biocompatibility testing of 3D printed materials, bacterial adhesion analysis, orthopaedic material characterization.
Abigail Tetteh
- Ph.D. Student, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
- M.S., Bioengineering, Temple University, 2020
- B.S., Biomedical Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 2017
Email: aat96@drexel.edu
Research Focus: Investigating optimal print parameters for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) printing of Fibertuff and characterizing its mechanical properties to develop 3d printed synthetic bone for treating critical size bone defects. FFF printing with soluble support materials and analyzing the interaction with low temperature polymers. Retrieval analysis of hip and knee implants. Using 3d printing to develop models for surgical training.
M.S. Thesis: Improving biodegradable polymers to enhance osteointegration and antibacterial property for orthopedic applications
Aliza Rabinowitz
- Ph.D. Student, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
- B.S., Mechanical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 2021
Email: ar3765@drexel.edu
Research Focus: Investigate mechanical and thermal properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymers that have been additively manufactured. These include CF-ABS, CF-Nylon, CF-PEKK, and CF-PEEK. Additive manufacturing of implantable medical devices such as spinal cages and fracture fixation plates. Mechanical characterization of these components and comparison to traditionally manufactured counterparts.
Shabnam Aslani
- Ph.D. Student, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
- M.S., Biomedical Engineering - Biomaterials, Iran University of Science & Technology, 2016
- B.S., Materials Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, 2013
Former Graduate Students
Hannah Spece, Ph.D.
Thesis: Development and Characterization of 3D Printed Porous Polyetheretherketone for Orthopaedic Applications (2021).
[PDF]
Email: hgs29@drexel.edu
Cemile Başgül, Ph.D.
Thesis: Investigating the Interfacial Bonding Strength of Additively Manufactured Polyetheretherketone Intervertebral Devices (2021).
[PDF]
Email: cemile.basgul@gmail.com
Sevi Kocagoz, Ph.D.
Thesis: Investigation of Modular Taper Material and Design Factors That Affect Mechanically Assisted Crevice Corrosion at the Femoral HeadStem Junctions in Total Hip Arthroplasties.
[PDF]
Email: sk997@drexel.edu
Tina Arnholt, Ph.D.
Thesis: Evaluating the Local Release, Systemic Transport, and Biological Significance of Cobalt Chromium Debris in Total Knee Replacement (2020).
[PDF]
Email: cma64@drexel.edu
Genymphas Higgs, Ph.D.
Thesis: In Vivo Performance of the Femoral Head-Neck Taper Connection and Development of an Electrochemical Framework for Quantitative Corrosion
Investigations.
[PDF]
Email: genymphas.b.higgs@drexel.edu
Jaclyn Schachtner, M.S.
Thesis: Is Fused Filament Fabrication a Viable Fabrication Method for Bioabsorbable Devices? Development of a 3D Printed Clip for Prevention of Spinal Fusion Infection (2018).
[PDF]
Email: jts338@drexel.edu
Mariya Tohfafarosh, Ph.D.
Thesis: Contact Mechanics and Failure Modes of Compliant Polymeric Bearing Materials for Knee Cartilage Replacement (2017).
Email: mst63@drexel.edu
Eliza Fredette, M.S.
Thesis: A Morphological Analysis of Metal Transfer on Retrieved Ceramic and Cobalt Chrome Femoral Heads (2017).
Email: ekf35@drexel.edu
Sai Veruva, Ph.D.
Thesis: Total Disc Replacement: Periprosthetic Wear Debris and Biological Replacements (2015).
[PDF]
Email: syv23@drexel.edu
Josa Hanzlik, Ph.D.
Thesis: Retrieval Analysis and Finite Element Modeling of Orthopaedic Porous-Coated Implants (2014).
[PDF]
Email: josa.a.hanzlik@drexel.edu
Alex Sevit, M.S.
Thesis: Development of Ultrasound-Triggered Anitbiotic Release Clip to Prevent Spinal Fusion Infection (2015).
[PDF]
Email: as3437@drexel.edu
Doruk Baykal, Ph.D.
Thesis: Tribological Assessment of Hydrogels for Replacing Damaged Articular Cartilage (2013).
[PDF]
Email: doruk.baykal@drexel.edu
John Heffernan, M.S.
Thesis: Finite element and physical characterization of the strength of ceramic materials used in total hip replacements (2012).
Email: jmh325@glink.drexel.edu
David Jaekel, Ph.D.
Thesis: Development and Fabrication of Silver Composite PEEK to Prevent Microbial Attachment and Periprosthetic Infection (2012).
[PDF]
Email: david.j.jaekel@drexel.edu
Michal Neukamp, M.D., M.S.
Thesis: In Vivo Biostability/Compatibility and Wear Determination of Dynesys Spinal Implants (2012).
Email: michal.neukamp@memcenter.unibe.ch
Steven Rundell, Ph.D.
Thesis: The Biomechanics of Lumbar Total Disc Replacement Impingement:In Silico Investigations of Polyethylene Damage Modes of Lumbar Total Disc Replacement (2011).
[PDF]
Email: s.rundell@armstrongforensic.com
Ryan Baxter, Ph.D.
Thesis: The Osteolytic Potential of Polyethylene Wear Debris in Periprosthetic Tissues Around Total Joint Replacements (2011).
[PDF]
Email: ryan.m.baxter@drexel.edu
Lauren Jablonowski, M.S.
Thesis: The role of inflammation and oxidative stress in total hip replacement revisions: Development of a diagnostic panel for osteolysis (2011).
Email: lj62@drexel.edu