Education

B.S., Bioengineering, 2011, Clemson University
M.S., Biomedical Engineering, 2013, Columbia University
Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, 2017, Columbia University

Resume

Awards

• NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

Areas of Research Interest

Cartilage tissue engineering; bioreactor development; post traumatic osteoarthritis; growth factor synergies

Background

While an undergraduate at Clemson University, Brendan worked extensively in John D. DesJardins’ Laboratory of Orthopaedic Design and Engineering.  This independent research focused on the kinematics of total and unicondylar knee replacements, and in collaboration with Dr. Rick Blob, utilized a knee joint wear simulator to assess these parameters.

As a graduate student, Brendan has been involved in numerous projects, from cell culture to device design.  His current work focuses on the viability of engineered cartilage constructs as a replacement for injured native tissue. Using steroid-loaded biodegradable microspheres, he is developing a strategy that serves as a bridge between the early stages of osteoarthritis and total joint arthroplasty by providing a tissue engineered graft that can survive both the harsh mechanical and chemical environments of the joint. To this end, Brendan utilizes both animal models as well as human donor grafts to optimize this approach in vitro in order to improve patient outcomes in vivo.

In his free time, Brendan enjoys espresso, political science, architecture, hiking and kayaking, espresso, and riding his motorcycle in the mountains.

Selected Publications

1. Cigan AD, Roach BL, Nims RJ, Tan AR, Albro MB, Stoker AM, Cook JL, Vunjak-Novakovic G, Hung CT, Ateshian GA: High seeding density of human chondrocytes in agarose produces tissue-engineered cartilage approaching native mechanical and biochemical properties. J Biomech49(9):1909-17, 2016.
2. Roach BL, Kelmendi-Doko A, Balutis EC, Marra KG, Ateshian GA, Hung CT: Dexamethasone Release from Within Engineered Cartilage as a Chondroprotective Strategy Against Interleukin-1α. Tissue Eng Part A 22(7-8):621-32, 2016.
3. Roach BL, Nover AB, Ateshian GA, Hung CT. Agarose Hydrogel Characterization for Regenerative Medicine Applications: Focus on Engineering Cartilage. In: Reis R, Neves N, eds. Natural Biomaterials for Advanced Devices and Therapies. 1st ed. New York, NY: Wiley; 2016. (In Press)
4. Roach BL, Hung CT, Cook JL, Ateshian GA, Tan AR: Fabrication of tissue engineered osteochondral grafts for restoring the articular surface of diarthrodial joints. Methods 84:103-8, 2015.
5. Roach BL, Matheny JB, Spinelli M, Rusly RJ, Affatato S, DesJardins JD. Bi-unicondylar knee replacement laxity with changes to simulated soft tissue constraints. Proc IMechE Part H: J Engineering in Medicine. 227(1) 27-36, 2012.