Degrees

MSE, 2014, Univ California Irvine; PHD, 2014, Univ California Irvine; BS, 2009, Univ Calif Los Angeles UCLA

Bio

Dr. Merna holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from University of California Irvine. His research and teaching interest is tissue engineering, with an emphasis on organ decellularization and vascular systems. In order to engineer functional, 3D tissues with physiologically relevant depth, endothelial vessel networks are needed to overcome oxygen diffusion limitations. His doctoral research included decellularization and recellularization of cardiac tissues in order to engineer 3D constructs. During his post-doctoral research at Hofstra University, he focused on characterizing the tissue-specific impact of fluid shear stress on mouse endothelial cells. Currently, he is focused on developing functional ECM scaffolds with a wide range of structural, mechanical and biological properties for use in tissue engineering applications.

Recent Courses Taught