Two faculty members within the Wallace H. Coulter of Biomedical Engineering were recently honored with some of the highest awards given by the Society for Biomaterials. 

Professors Johnna S. Temenoff, Ph.D. and Krishnendu Roy, Ph.D. earned high honors for their significant contributions to the field of biomaterials science.

They were recognized at the organization’s annual celebration along with Andrés J. García, Ph.D., Regents’ Professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, who received the Founders Award.

Dr. Temenoff earned the Clemson Award for Contributions To The Literature for her significant contributions to literature on the science or technology of biomaterials. Temenoff was recognized for her 2008 textbook, “Biomaterials: The Intersection of Biology and Materials Science,” which has been widely adopted since its publication.

“Her work continues to push the envelope in the development of novel materials to direct tissue regeneration, especially in tendon and ligament,” Shelly Sakiyama-Elbert, Ph.D., The University of Washington. “The spatial constraints of these tissues make them uniquely challenging, and I am always impressed with the highly innovative methods that Dr. Temenoff devises to address these needs.”

Dr. Roy received the Clemson Award for Basic Research. This award is given to an individual who has made an original contribution to the basic knowledge and understanding of the interaction between materials and tissue.

“Prof. Roy has made impactful contributions to the field of biomaterials science and application. Specifically in developing the areas of immune-materials and immunoengineering, regenerative and cell manufacturing, and delivery science and technology,” said Kam W. Leong, Ph.D., Columbia University. “His pioneering discoveries and inventions as well as his tremendous global leadership has shaped the field over the past two decades.”

Awards were received at the organization’s 2023 Annual Meeting & Exposition on April 17 in San Diego, California.