David Kohn, Ph.D.

Dr. Kohn’s research group is interested in biomimetics, or understanding and subsequently mimicking how Nature designs materials. Specifically, our laboratory investigates two aspects of biomineralization (i.e. how bones, teeth, and seashells are formed). First, we seek to understand how the organization of mineralized tissues results in mechanical competence and, conversely, how with aging and disease, alterations in organization result in increased susceptibility to fracture. Second, we seek to utilize aspects of biomineralization as a design basis for developing biomaterials that can control cell and molecular function. A more long-term, applied, and clinically-motivated goal is to ultimately utilize this information to develop approaches to replace and/or regenerate tissues. Dr. Kohn teaches courses on biomaterials, tissue engineering, and biomedical design in both the College of Engineering and the School of Dentistry.

Research Areas:

Biomaterials, Biomechanics, Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, Organ and Whole Body Biomechanics, Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine