Main ContentWelcome from the Chair
Welcome to the World of Biomaterials!
In dentistry, biomaterials play a critical role. Starting from a toothbrush to complex dental implants to the futuristic tissue-engineered scaffolds for regenerating damaged craniofacial tissues, dental biomaterials promise to bring on a healthy smile to everyone. Similar examples are present in other fields like orthopedics, plastic surgery, and cancer treatment. In fact, it is often said that there is no healthcare without biomaterials!
The biomaterials research at the University of Mississippi Medical Center has a rich, 40-year long history. Over the years, the faculty, staff, and students in the Department of Biomedical Materials Science (BMS) have investigated innovative ways to prepare, test, and improve biomaterials. A few of aspects of our research and educational capabilities are listed below:
- By bringing together expertise in materials science, engineering, 3D computer modeling, and dentistry, we investigate metallic, ceramic, and polymeric implant biomaterials for applications across many healthcare disciplines including dentistry and orthopedics. Click here to view our expertise.
- The research endeavors of the BMS department have been continuously funded by the world’s leading biomedical implant manufacturers and premier US government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health.
- The BMS Shared Equipment Facility encompasses nearly 6,000 sq. ft. of research space and houses state-of-the-art instruments capable of performing a 360° evaluation of raw materials and implants.
- A Ph.D. program in Biomedical Sciences with focus on Biomedical Materials Science trains the next-generation of biomaterials researchers.
- Working with the eight clinical departments within the School of Dentistry, the BMS department leads a summer research program (called the UPSTART program) that brings together dental and undergraduate students in a unique multi-disciplinary setting. Click here to know more about the UPSTART program.
The BMS department excels in the education, research, and service missions that symbolize the uniqueness of an academic medical center. We were ranked #2 on the UMMC campus in per faculty extramural funding for the year 2019-2020!
What makes it even more impressive, is that every year the BMS faculty engage in a total of nearly 900 hours of teaching in the Ph.D. and D.M.D. programs. The BMS faculty also serve on committees for many national and international societies that guide the future of biomaterials.
With such tireless effort success is always around the corner. Over the past 10 years, the BMS researchers have published over 200 journal articles and our graduate and dental students have made over 200 research presentations and won more than 50 awards for research excellence. Alumni of our Ph.D. program have secured productive employment in academia, industry, and government. Alumni of the D.M.D. program have secured placements in prestigious post-graduate residencies. I invite you to join us on this exciting journey to improve human health!
Amol Janorkar, Ph.D.
Professor and Interim Chair
Every year, the BMS faculty engage in a total of nearly 900 hours of teaching in the Ph.D. and D.M.D. programs.
Our graduate and dental students have made over 200 research presentations and won more than 50 awards for research excellence.
Members of the BMS faculty.