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Elizabeth Barker

Assistant Professor

Biography

August 2017-present

Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee

August 2014-August 2017   

Lecturer, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee

April 2015-present                     

Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine

December 2014-present             

Research Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee

 


Research

My research leverages interdisciplinary scientific knowledge of device design, biomaterials engineering, and polymer characterization. My research career is focused on designing and developing novel polymer materials for implant devices and drug delivery, and I intend to commercialize my laboratory findings for use in the clinical setting. My goal is to be a link between engineering and medicine and to contribute to the care of others as a research scientist dedicated to the development of medical devices that physicians can use to improve the lives of their patients.


Education

  • Ph.D., 2014, Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences- Molecular Therapeutics and Cell Signaling Track, University of Tennessee Health Science Center

    Dissertation: Preclinical Evaluation of a Novel Polysaccharide Hydrogel for Local Chemotherapy Delivery to Solid Tumors

  • M.S., 2007, Polymer Engineering, University of Tennessee Knoxville

    Thesis: The Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Polysaccharide Hydrogel for Biomedical Applications Including the Treatment of Malignant Tumors and the Prevention of Metastatic Disease

  • B.S., 2004, Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee Knoxville


Professional Service

  • Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Career Mentor
  • College of Engineering WomEngineer's Leadership Council
  • Neuroscience Network of East Tennessee, NeuroNET
  • University of Tennessee Cancer Community of Scholars
  • American Society for Engineering Education
  • Biomedical Engineering Society
  • Society for Biomaterials
  • American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists

Awards and Recognitions

Nominated for Chancellor’s Excellence in Teaching Award, Fall 2016

Nominated for College of Engineering Excellence in Teaching Award, Spring 2017

Nominated for the ASEE Mara H. Washburn Early Engineering Educator Grant, Spring 2017


Publications

R.C. Pack, E.D. Barker, B.L. Armstrong, C.J. Rawn, B.G. Compton. Characterization of Stainless Steel and Hydroxyapatite Powders for Additive Manufacturing of Composite Craniomaxillofacial Implants. Biomedical Engineering Society, Minneapolis, MN; October 8, 2016

R.L. Slappy, B.J. Ramshaw, E.D. Barker, S.A. Grant.  Varying Levels of Degradation in Synthetic Polymers In Vivo, Biomedical Engineering Society, Minneapolis, MN; October 8, 2016

E.D. BarkerA Strategy for Improving Drug Penetration in Solid Tumors. University of Tennessee Cancer Community of Scholars Symposium, February 25, 2016

E.D. BarkerLocal Chemotherapy Delivery to Brain Tumors using Amygel. Richard Lende Winter Neurosurgery Conference, Snowbird, UT; January 30-February 3, 2015

E.D. Barker.  Improving Treatment of Pediatric Brain Tumors Using Amygel. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Department of Surgery, December 2, 2014

E.D. Barker.  Improving Chemotherapy Tissue Penetration Using Local Drug Delivery of Lipphilic Compounds. Oak Ridge National Laboratory Biology and Soft Matter Division, September 11, 2014

E.D. Barker.  Preclinical Evaluation of a Novel Polysaccharide Hydrogel for Local Chemotherapy Delivery to Solid Tumors. 16th Annual Ed Cocke Research Symposium University of Tennessee Department of Otolaryngology, Memphis, TN; June 19, 2014

 

Patent Applications

E. Barker, US 20100331232 Starch-based Hydrogel for Biomedical Applications

E. Barker, US 20110165243 Concurrent Delivery of Multiple Therapeutic Agents via Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications

E. Barker, US 20120322718 Amygels in Organic Solvent for Biomedical Applications


Contact Information