BME Distinguished Seminar Series: Engineering Materials for Clinical Nerve Repair, and Other Applications Along the Way

Join us for a special lecture by Dr. Christine Schmidt, Distinguished Professor and J. Crayton Pruitt Family Endowed Chair of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Florida, and the 2026 recipient of the Dean's Distinguished Lectureship in Honor of Joseph A. Izatt. In her lecture, "Engineering Materials for Clinical Nerve Repair, and Other Applications Along the Way," Dr. Schmidt will discuss how natural-based biomaterials can be engineered to interact with neurons to stimulate and guide regeneration. Her work has led to transformative advances in peripheral nerve repair, including foundational contributions to the Avance® Nerve Graft (Axogen), and biomaterial technologies such as VersaWrap®. She will also highlight emerging injectable biomaterials designed for spinal cord injury and regenerative therapies. Dr. Schmidt is an elected member of both the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Medicine, and recipient of the BMES Athanasiou Medal of Excellence in Translational Bioengineering. Her work exemplifies the integration of fundamental biomaterials science with clinical translation. We encourage all students and trainees to attend this distinguished lecture (3-4pm) and stay for the reception (4-5pm) to meet Dr. Schmidt.