Can you share a bit about your early life and what sparked your interest in research, medicine and orthopaedics/bioengineering?
I originally trained as a orthopedic-trauma surgeon, so my interest in orthopaedics and bioengineering didn’t begin in a laboratory — it began in the operating room. During my PhD, I focused on the prevention of post-traumatic adhesions following tendon repair. Tendon suturing, particularly in flexor tendons, often restores structural continuity but can result in excessive scar formation that limits gliding and ultimately impairs function. My research explored strategies to minimize adhesion formation while preserving tendon strength and healing capacity.
Treating complex fractures, soft tissue injuries and traumatic defects made me realize that surgery alone is often not enough. We can align bones and stabilize fractures, but true healing depends on biology.
That realization pushed me toward research. I became fascinated by the interface between mechanics and biology — how forces, materials, and cellular responses interact during tissue repair. Bioengineering offered a language to connect clinical problems with mechanistic solutions.
What were some pivotal moments or influences during your education that shaped your research interests?
Several turning points shaped my trajectory.
One was seeing delayed fracture healing and nonunions in otherwise technically successful surgeries. That made me question: Why does biology fail even when mechanics are correct?
Next one is critical bone defects treatment. This is very important and actual problem related to war in Ukraine and high-energy trauma. Optimal ways to treat critical bone defects isn’t established yet, so we have a lot of work ahead.
Another pivotal moment was becoming involved in translational research projects focused on biomaterials and drug delivery. Understanding that we could engineer materials to actively guide regeneration — rather than passively support it — completely shifted my perspective on orthopaedics.
Can you tell us about your journey to BMRC and how you ended up in Pittsburgh?
My path to Pittsburgh was driven by a desire to deepen the research aspect of my work to make something useful for all population but not only for my personal patients. I started here at Pitt in the MechanoBiology Laboratory which offers a unique environment where biomechanics, biomaterials, and clinical orthopaedics intersect. Finally close cooperation with BMRC brings me into it!
Pittsburgh itself is a remarkable place for translational science — strong clinical programs, engineering expertise, and collaborative culture. It felt like the right ecosystem to bridge my surgical background with high-level experimental research.
What does a typical day in the lab look like for you?
There isn’t really a “typical” day — and that’s what I enjoy most.
Some days are heavily experimental: surgeries in animal models, sample collection, or biomaterial preparation. Other days are focused on data analysis — histology quantification, imaging, mechanical testing results, or manuscript writing.
A significant part of my time is also devoted to designing experiments, troubleshooting protocols, and discussing strategy with collaborators. Research is as much about thinking as it is about doing.
What tools or tech are central to your work?
Our work relies heavily on:
• Small animal injury and diseases models, and drug delivery platforms
• Biomaterial synthesis and characterization.
• Histology, IHC, IFA and image analysis
• BioMechanical testing systems
• Micro-CT imaging
At the core, though, the most important “tool” is interdisciplinary collaboration — combining clinical insight with engineering precision.
Could you provide an overview of your current role at the BMRC and responsibilities in your research position?
As a postdoctoral researcher, I focus on developing and testing biomaterials and pharmacological strategies to enhance bone and soft tissue healing.
My responsibilities include designing animal studies, performing surgeries, analyzing histological and mechanical data, mentoring junior trainees, writing manuscripts, and contributing to translational strategy.
In simple terms, what problem is your lab trying to solve?
In simple terms, we are trying to help the body heal better and faster after injury or diseases.
Bone fractures, tendon injuries, and severe soft tissue damage don’t always regenerate efficiently — especially in complex trauma. We study how we can guide the body’s natural healing processes to improve outcomes and reduce complications.
Outside the lab, what do you enjoy doing?
Outside the lab, I value time with family and activities that help me reset mentally. Fishing, hiking, BBQ, grilling and smoking meat are my favorite rest types. Also, I like aquarium hobbies a lot, I have several freshwater aquariums with 10+ fish spices. 3D modelling and 3D printing are also a part of my rest. I also enjoy teaching and mentoring — sharing knowledge is deeply fulfilling.
Maintaining balance is essential in research; long-term creativity requires mental space.
Most unexpected skill you’ve learned in the lab?
Patience.
Research teaches you humility. Experiments fail. Hypotheses don’t hold. Biological systems are unpredictable. Learning to adapt without losing focus has been one of the most important — and unexpected — skills I’ve developed.
Rapid fire fun questions:
- Coffee or tea? Yes 😊
- Early mornings or late nights? From early mornings to late nights.
- What do you listen to in the lab? Music? Podcasts? Silence? Surrounding noises 😊
- Best advice you’ve ever received? “Take your time.”
- Digital or paper lab notes? Ahh. I prefer digital but sometimes use paper.
- Book or TV show you’re really into right now. I’m not watching TV shows, I think it’s a waste of lifetime. Sometimes historical series. Last books I read: USMLE First Aid, Pathoma.