Biomedical Engineering Faculty

Hak-Joon Sung

Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering

Office: SC 5921
Email Address: hak-joon.sung [at] vanderbilt.edu
Phone: 615-322-6986
FAX (615-343-7919)
Web Sites: VUSE*, BME

Education:
Post Doctoral Studies Biomedical Engineering, 2006,
Georgia Institute Tech, Atlanta, GA.

Ph.D. Bioengineering, 2004,
Georgia Institute Tech, Atlanta, GA.

M.S. Medical Engineering, 2001,
Yonsei University, Seoul

B.S. Biochemistry, 1999,
Yonsei University, Seoul

Research interests: Biomaterials and Biointerface for Vascular and Stem Cell Engineering

Description of Research Program:
     During the last few years, the design concepts for biomaterials started to be fully integrated with principles from cell and molecular biology. Although considerable progress has been made, ongoing challenges remain in controlling dynamic biological signals through modification of biomaterial properties. To meet these challenges, Dr. Sung has used advanced biomaterials systems to control interactions between cells and biomaterials. The goal of Dr. Sung's research is to identify the underlying mechanisms by which cells interact with biomaterials and coordinate dynamic biological signals to change their microenvironments, and to apply this knowledge to develop the next generation of biomaterials for regenerative medicine and other biomedical applications. In particular, his group is developing bioactive polymeric scaffolds controlling angiogenesis and inflammation for regeneration of various tissues. Through this project, his group seeks to understand cross functional relationships between inflammation and angiogenesis in the context of biomaterial implants. His group is also investigating oxidative stress-sensitive properties and phase separation-mediated smart functionalities of biomaterial systems. These efforts aim at developing the next generation of biomaterials controlling vascular homeostasis and regeneration (i.e., stent and patch) and stem cell transformation and differentiation (i.e., multifunctional scaffolds).

Specific Research Projects:

• Developing bioactive scaffolds controlling angiogenesis and inflammation for regeneration of various tissue types
• Investigating oxidative stress-sensitive properties of biomaterials to develop the next generation of vascular stent and patch materials
• Developing separation-based smart biomaterial surfaces to control stem cell transformation and differentiation
• Studying effects of matrix stiffness on cellular response by decoupling mechanical and chemical properties of biomaterials: in vitro models for hypertension and stem cell transformation/metastasis.
• Developing high-throughput methods to profile cellular response to biomaterials

Publications: (link)

Awards and Honors:

•  NIH R21 Exploratory/Developmental Bioengineering Research Grant award (PI-Sung)
•  Section modulator in the section of advanced stent materials and biology, Society for Biomaterials (2009)
•  Article featured on cover of Annals of Biomedical Engineering (November 2005).

Graduate Students:
Incoming Vanderbilt BME graduate/undergraduate students with a background and/or interests in biomaterials science, regenerative medicine, and cellular engineering are encouraged to contact Dr. Sung at hak-joon.sung@vanderbilt.edu.

Postdoctoral researchers:
The Biomaterials Laboratory has an immediate opening for a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow position. A highly motivated candidate is sought with a polymer/biomaterial synthesis and characterization background, strong academic and publication records, and the ability to work independently. The successful candidate will initiate multiple biomaterials-related research projects and will learn a variety of techniques related to biomaterial synthesis, characterization, and biological testing. Previous experience with organic synthesis, polymer science, and material characterization and the willingness to work in a multidisciplinary environment are desirable. To apply for this position, please email: (i) a cover letter stating your interests and career goals, (ii) a detailed CV, and (iii) contact information for at least three references to Dr. Sung at hak-joon.sung@Vanderbilt.edu.