Congratulations to the following UF BME faculty on being selected to receive a three-year University of Florida Term Professorship.

•    Dr. Jon Dobson, professor
•    Dr. Benjamin G. Keselowsky, associate professor & UFRF Professorship
•    Dr. Aysegul Gunduz, assistant professor

This recognition is for excellence in teaching, research and service recommended by their college deans based on nominations from their department chairs and reviewed by the College Honors and Awards Committee.

Dobson’s research focuses on biomedical applications of magnetic micro- and nanoparticles. His group has developed novel technologies for 1) magnetic targeting and remote activation of cell signaling pathways for cell engineering and stem cell therapy; 2) magnetic nanoparticle-based gene transfection delivery; and 3) magnetic targeting of modified cell carriers for cancer therapy and regenerative medicine. In addition, he has also led a multi-national research program developing novel imaging and characterization techniques to quantify, characterize and map iron compounds related to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Keselowsky’s research focuses on engineering biomaterial-cell interactions and targeted controlled release of immune modulating factors to direct immune cell function. Biomaterials undergo complex interactions with cells of the immune system upon implantation. These interactions are incompletely understood and poorly controlled, which complicates the ability to achieve favorable outcomes in clinical applications. Keselowsky’s lab focuses its efforts on both a basic understanding of interactions of immune cells with biomaterials as well as the engineering of biomaterials capable of directing immunological processes. This work has wide-ranging implications in diverse fields such as implanted devices, therapeutic vaccines, and tissue engineering and combination products.

Gunduz’ research is focused on finding precursors to behavior and aftereffects of stimulation in neural networks through electrophysiology and bioimaging. Her lab aims to translate this knowledge into clinical diagnostic and therapeutic systems to improve the quality of life of those suffering from neurological disorders. To this end, Dr. Gunduz works with many clinical populations, such as neurosurgical patients with epilepsy and movement disorders (Tourette’s syndrome, Parkinson’s disease), as well as stroke patients undergoing neurorehabilitation.