By Katherine Branchman/ASU
An Alabama State University professor is gaining international recognition for his work in biomedical engineering and regenerative medicine.
Vineeth Vijayan, Ph.D., assistant professor of biomedical engineering in ASU’s Department of Engineering, has been selected to serve on the Early Career Board of ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, a scientific journal published by the American Chemical Society.
The appointment recognizes emerging researchers in biomaterials science and provides early-career scientists with opportunities to contribute to the journal while gaining greater insight into the scientific editorial process.
The inaugural board consists of 28 early-career researchers selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants from institutions around the world. Board members represent a range of disciplines across biomaterials research and engineering, including regenerative medicine, polymer chemistry, biomechanics, biofabrication, toxicology and other interdisciplinary fields.
During their three-year terms, board members will have opportunities to develop professional mentoring relationships with the journal’s editors and established Editorial Advisory Board members, participate in journal activities and help identify emerging areas of research. The initiative is also designed to help prepare participants for advanced editorial roles later in their careers.
For Vijayan, the appointment represents both a professional milestone and an opportunity to bring greater attention to research taking place at Alabama State University
“It is a tremendous honor to be selected to the Early Career Board of ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering,” Vineeth Vijayan said. “This recognition is especially meaningful as I continue building our research program at Alabama State University. To see the biomedical engineering research emerging from our laboratory gain recognition within the international scientific community is incredibly rewarding.”
Vijayan leads the Laboratory for Polymeric Biomaterials in ASU’s Department of Engineering, where his research focuses on advanced biomaterials, plasma-engineered biointerfaces and 3D-printed scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
One major area of the laboratory’s research involves creating the 3D-printed scaffolds that mimic the complex internal structure of human bone. Researchers study how the architecture and surface properties of these scaffolds influence stem cell behavior and the formation of bone tissue. By combining 3D printing, plasma-based surface engineering and nanotechnology, the research aims to develop new biomaterials that could potentially improve bone regeneration and repair, particularly in cases involving bone degeneration or injury.
The laboratory also is exploring advanced nanofibrous wound dressings with antibacterial and tissue-healing properties. The materials are designed to help prevent bacterial infections while supporting tissue repair and could have potential applications for traumatic injuries, chronic wounds and other challenging clinical conditions.
Students also play an important role in the laboratory. Postdoctoral, graduate and undergraduate researchers gain hands-on experience in advanced biomaterials research while presenting their findings at scientific conferences and contributing to scholarly publications.
Vijayan said he views his selection as recognition that extends beyond his own career.
“I view this appointment not only as a personal professional milestone but also as recognition of our growing research program, the contributions of our students, and the scientific potential of institutions like Alabama State University,” he said.