Greg Hudalla, Ph.D., associate professor, has been named the Strategic Advisor for Biomedical Research Translation and Integra LifeSciences Term Professor at the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. In addition, he was appointed to the position of Graduate Coordinator for the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering.
In this three-year role as Strategic Advisor for Biomedical Research Translation, Hudalla will provide invaluable support to the Associate Dean for Research and Facilities, Dr. Alina Zare, where he will guide the college in the field of biomedical translation, playing a key role in shaping the future of upcoming biomedical research facilities, and serving as a vital link to the University of Florida Clinical Translation and Science Institute (CTSI), as well as other campus entities dedicated to the intersection of engineering and translational research.
Hudalla’s vision for this role is centered on harnessing the college’s abundant resources to foster new interdisciplinary research initiatives. “We want to nurture bold ideas with the potential for enormous impact while also advancing scientific education,” Hudalla states.
“As Strategic Advisor for Biomedical Translation, I aim to bridge the gap between cutting-edge biomedical research and real-world impact. We want to drive innovation within the walls of our institution to transform healthcare and improve lives. Realizing this goal requires an enriched collaborative ecosystem where researchers, clinicians, engineers and industry partners converge to tackle challenges in healthcare. The incredible resources available at the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering provide an ideal nucleus for this ecosystem,” said Hudalla.
Additionally, Hudalla has been appointed the graduate coordinator within the department of biomedical engineering. In this role, he will be a pivotal bridge connecting the department with UF’s Graduate School in overseeing academic matters impacting graduate students and their programs. He envisions this appointment as a catalyst for research, with a promise to create the best research and education environment in order to attract top-notch graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to the college.
“Greg’s appointments to the college and the department are a testament to his unwavering passion, dedication, and excellence as a mentor, administrator, and distinguished scholar. Greg is held in the highest regard as an educator and is an important voice and inspiration in the community. I look forward to his visionary approach,” Stabler said.
The Integra LifeSciences Term Professorship awarded to preeminent faculty at the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering has been a cornerstone for retaining and attracting esteemed faculty members devoted to pioneering breakthroughs in regenerative medicine since 2015. The five-year appointment awarded to Hudalla is “another recognition for his outstanding record in research accomplishments,” said Cherie Stabler, Ph.D., chair of the department of biomedical engineering.
Hudalla has been a valuable member of the department since 2013. Research in the Hudalla Lab focuses on engineering molecules that guide immune cell behavior to suppress inflammation. Chronic inflammation is inhibitory to regenerative processes, and so the overarching goal of work in the Hudalla Lab is to control inflammation to restore normal tissue function. Molecules developed in the Hudalla Lab have proven effective for treating various inflammatory diseases, including periodontal disease, osteoarthritis, and psoriasis. The support of the Integra LifeSciences Term Professorship will enable new research efforts focused on developing new anti-inflammatory molecules and treating new inflammatory diseases.