Dr. Rebecca A. Wachs
Postdoctoral Associate
Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering
BMS J257, University of Florida
Lab: 352-273-6865
Email: rwachs@bme.ufl.edu
Year Joined Lab: 2014
Education
- Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2013 (Advisor: Dr. Eric Ledet)
- M.Eng. in Biomedical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2005 (Advisor: Dr. Jan Stegemann)
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 2003
Research
Creation of Novel Biomaterials for Treatment of Painful Disc Degeneration
My research interests lie in the mechanisms of low back pain. One aspect of my research focuses on the development of novel biomaterials to treat painful intervertebral disc degeneration. Two approaches are being developed to approach this: a) “top down” decellularization of nucleus pulposus tissue, and b) “bottom up” recreation of the natural components to prevent vascularization and innervation. To achieve these goals, knowledge will be garnered from natural biomaterials, decellularization processing, and the central nervous system. My interests also include creation of biomaterials to prevent pain in other musculoskeletal diseases as well as mechanisms of pain.
Other Research Interests
- The role of protein and proteoglycan fragmentation in disease progression throughout the body specifically focusing on central nervous system and musculoskeletal disease.
- Creation of novel regenerative neural interfaces to enable long term interaction with both motor and sensory neurons.