The VCU College of Engineering, an innovation front-runner in academics and research, brings real-world education to Central Virginia. Our collaborative and multidisciplinary partnerships prepare undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students for leadership. Part of a premier research university, the VCU College of Engineering enhances regional and global prosperity through cutting-edge developments in tissue engineering, drug delivery, bioinformatics, cybersecurity, mechanical systems and particle science. We make it real by turning great ideas into breakthrough technologies. Our facilities are hubs of discovery, powered by an expanding student body and faculty committed to excellence.

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The award recognizes Rice alumni whose scholarship, mentorship and innovations have made significant contributions to their professions and communities.

Rice University’s Distinguished Bioengineering Alumna Award for 2017

Fellow, National Academy of Inventors

Fellow, American Institute of Mechanical and Biological Engineering

Atlanta Woman of the Year (Science)

The Birnberg Research Award, Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery

Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science

Society for Biomaterials Clemson Award for Contributions to the Literature

Albert-Hoffa-Prize (with Drs CH Lohmann, Z Schwartz, Y Liu, H Guerkov, B Simon, BD Boyan), Die Norddeutsche Orthop denvereinigung e.V (North German Orthopaedic Society) Research Prize

American Academy of Periodontolgy, R. Earl Robinson Regeneration Award (with Drs Z Schwarts, DD Dean, CH Lohmann, D Andreacchio, TC Weesner, DL Carnes, DL Cochran)

National Academy of Engineering (Member)

National Academy of Inventors (Fellow)

American Association for the Advancement of Science (Fellow)

European Academy of Sciences and Arts (Fellow)

American Institute for Mechanical and Biological Engineering (Fellow)

American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (Fellow)

Biomaterials Science and Engineering (Fellow)

International Team for Implantology (Fellow)

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (Member)

Change in Surface Roughness by Dynamic Shape-Memory Acrylate Networks Enhances Osteoblast Differentiation

Implant osseointegration and the role of microroughness and nanostructures: lessons for spine implants

A review on the wettability of dental implant surfaces II: biological and clinical aspects

The roles of titanium surface micro/nanotopography and wettability on the differential response of human osteoblast lineage cells

A review of polyvinyl alcohol and its uses in cartilage and orthopedic applications

Barbara D. Boyan, Ph.D., Executive Director, Institute for Engineering and Medicine, is a nationally acclaimed researcher and entrepreneur. Her laboratory is focused on research in all aspects of bone and cartilage biology, from basic science studies on steroid hormone signaling to the use of cells for regenerative medicine strategies, focusing on how cells interact with biomaterial surfaces. Her work in the bone and cartilage field began with studies to understand the underlying mechanisms of mineralized tissue formation. Her recent research developments include novel technologies for controlling nanotexture on metal and polymer surfaces in order to study cell responses for regenerative medicine applications as well as elucidating the mechanisms used by steroid hormones like vitamin D and estrogen and microRNAs in the regulation of bone and cartilage cells.

An industry leader and proponent of improving quality of life around the world, Boyan is the co-founder of four companies:

SpherIngenics, Inc., (cell-based therapies) as Director and Chief Scientific Officer
Orthonics, Inc., (medical devices) as Chief Scientific Officer
OsteoBiologics, Inc., (tissue engineered medical products) as Chairman and CEO, Board of Directors
Biomedical Development Corporation, (innovative medical technologies) Chief Scientific Officer

Also serving on the Board of Directors for six other companies, Boyan’s influence has helped shape many scientific advancements. These companies are:

Carticept Medical, Inc., (innovative injection devices) Independent Director, Board of Directors, and Chief Scientific Officer
Cartiva, Inc. (Cartilage repair technologies) Independent Director, Board of Directors, and Chief Scientific Officer
Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (CCALS), Chair of the Board
IsoTis, Inc., (Bone graft material) Independent Director, Board of Directors, and Chief Scientific Officer
IsoTis SA, (Bone graft material) Independent Director, Board of Directors
ArthroCare, Inc., (Medical devices) Independent Director, Board of Directors

She was previously associate dean for research and innovation at the Georgia Institute of Technology's College of Engineering. Boyan received her B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. while studying biology at Rice University, and holds many scholarly and national awards.

Cell and Tissue Engineering

Response of Cells to Biomaterials

Mechanisms of Action of Hormones and Growth Factors in Cartilage and Bone

Normal and Pathological Calcification

Stem Cell Delivery Technologies

PubMed Profile

Laboratory for Musculoskeletal Research and Innovation (LMRI)

Screencapture of Next magazine cover with digital illustration of globe with medicine covering the land areas.

Medicines for All: Revolutionizing the Global Supply Chain

Get to know Frank Gupton, founder/CEO of Medicines for All Institute at VCU

Barbara D. Boyan column: Solving the new literacy crisis

Building under construction with workers at the top with a special beam and tree.

Construction Milestone

VCU College of Engineering Tops Off New Engineering Research Building

Portrait of dean with quote: "The best thing about being a dean is seeing students achieve their goals. Nothing beats that. Right at the top of best things is knowing that the faculty, staff, and students have what they need to succeed in their respective roles.” Barbara Boyan, Ph.D., Alice T. and Williams H. Goodwin Jr. Dean, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University.

SWE Magazine Feature: Women Engineering Leaders in Academe 2019

Virginia Business

VCU’s Master Plan

VCU is meeting industry demand for IT programs

'There has to be a reset': Va. works with universities to ease cash flow crunch, boost manufacturing research at center in Prince George

VCU steps up in state push for research collaboration with eye for commerce

VCU breaks ground on new engineering research building

Muscle Allograft Speeds Muscle Recovery, Regeneration?

Study shows advantages of using decellularized muscle to promote tissue regeneration

VCU’s School of Engineering Becomes College of Engineering

Two Data Presentations Highlight the Unique Potential of Spineology's Duo™ Implant

Women Building Bio Highlighted STEM Achievements, Research Initiatives and Next Generation Inspiration for the Regional Life Sciences Community

Commonwealth Times Engineering

More women are seeking STEM-related degrees at VCU, university says

VCU virtual reality lab opens to awe of crowd

VCU receives historic $25 million grant from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Richmond BizSense

VCU awarded $25M grant, launches online MBA

VCU receives $25M grant from Gates - VCU receives $25 million from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to establish new institute, increase access to medicineHide Details

VCU “Medicines for All” Project Receives $25 Million from Gates Foundation

VCU Engineering Receives $25M Gates Foundation Grant

Engineering the workforce

Making the Leap from Professor to Dean

Titan Spine's new medical devices could set it apart

The STEM effect

Researchers identify unexpected functions in the determination of height for a gene expressed in sperm

Spinal implant material matters: What titanium can do for you (and your patients)

New technology may boost bone growth response for spinal fusion

Medical Devices Fall Short for Children

Barbara D. Boyan, Ph.D., the Alice T. and William H. Goodwin Jr. Dean of VCU College of Engineering. In one hand, Boyan is holding samples of material for custom-made 3D-printed implants made of a titanium alloy, including examples with a complex bio-inspired geometry similar to the model of a spine in the other hand.

Barbara D. Boyan, Ph.D., the Alice T. and William H. Goodwin Jr. Dean of VCU College of Engineering. In one hand, Boyan is holding samples of material for custom-made 3D-printed implants made of a titanium alloy, including examples with a complex bio-inspi

Executive Director, Institute for Engineering and Medicine | B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Rice University

Barbara D. Boyan, Virginia Commonwealth University: Approaches to an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Culture: Involving and Protecting Students

NAI Sixth Annual Conference: Barbara D. Boyan

Barbara D.  Boyan: Approaches to an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Culture

CodeVA's 2014 Hour of Code Event - Code and Tell

Barbara D Boyan PhD VCU School of Engineering

“The best is still to come for the School of Engineering. Through a relentless focus on research, we’ve nurtured a culture where team-based leadership and learning are a shared responsibility. Every Ram Engineer, whether they’re freshmen or faculty, has opportunities to learn, mentor and grow under exciting research initiatives and other independent projects. As we enter an era of unprecedented technological advancement, we’re looking for dynamic experiences to empower our ambitious student body and stellar junior faculty. Student success is so important. I want to put more supports and programs in place to give all our students, especially the ones juggling jobs and family commitments, the same right to be, think and dream. I speak for our School of Engineering faculty and leaders when I say we’re excited by the opportunity to help VCU meet the challenges that engineering education will face over the next decade.”

Interview With Barbara D. Boyan, Ph.D.

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