Four principal investigators for the S&T Center for Biomedical Research attended the 2023 Military Health System Research Symposium in August, in Orlando, Florida. The symposium attracted more than 4,000 participants, including military personnel, private contractors and academic researchers. It is the largest health research event held by the U.S. armed forces.

The investigators gave three presentations at the symposium. Dr. Yue-Wern Huang, professor of biological sciences, and Dr. Fateme Fayyazbakhsh, assistant research professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, presented 3D-printed glass-hydrogel dressings for burn wound healing on behalf of Dr. Ming Leu, the Keith and Pat Bailey Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering. These dressings offer continuous hydration for burn patients.

Dr. Mark Towler, the Linda and Bipin Doshi Professor in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, presented a proprietary glass-based solution to stop traumatic bleeding. Dr. Catherine Johnson, Robert H. Quenon Associate Professor in Mining Engineering, also presented research evaluating viscoelastic trauma attenuating backings for use in body armor to reduce non-penetrating shockwave injuries.

“S&T had a great turnout in this symposium; it provided us an opportunity to connect with military funding agencies,” says Dr. Yue-Wern Huang, professor of biological sciences and director of the center. “Each year military agencies provide billions of dollars for research and development in health-related topics. The programs are complementary to National Institutes of Health and of S&T’s great interest. I hope that we will continue to have a strong presence in this conference.”