PI William Wagner (Jagannathan Sankar, lead PI)

Title NSF Engineering Research Center for Revolutionizing Metallic Biomaterials

Description: The Engineering Research Center for Revolutionizing Metallic Biomaterials (ERC-RMB) will pursue revolutionary advances in metallic biomaterials and the underlying sciences and technologies, leading to engineered systems that will interface with the human body to prolong and improve quality of life. This research effort is coupled with the development of a vibrant, diverse workforce well-prepared for the global challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The ERC proposes to develop the fundamental knowledge and technology needed to advance biocompatible and biodegradable metal-based, implantable systems with feedback control for reconstruction and regeneration. The research and technology development will be aided by industrial input and clinical assessments. The ERC’s education program is designed to develop innovative and adaptive engineers. Seamlessly integrated undergraduate and graduate bioengi- neering programs will be established at North Carolina A&T State University (NCAT) to support this goal.

Major goals of the ERC-RMB are:

  • Establish a new generation of revolutionary biological interface materials;
  • Generate revolutionary technologies via sharing of resources and the ERC-generated knowledge base to extend and improve the quality of life;
  • Achieve excellence through a true interdisciplinary and inter-institutional approach.
  • Facilitate economic and healthcare development in the U.S. and strengthen the global position of the U.S. healthcare system;
    Prepare the STEM workforce (pre-college and college) for 21st-century careers in advanced processing, bioengineering, and materials; and
  • Improve PhD graduation rates in nano/bioengineering areas, especially among African-American students, women, and other underrepresented minority groups.

Source: Engineering Research Center-National Science Foundation
Term 08/20/14 – 08/31/16
Amount $1.5 million