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  • Jeannine M Coburn
Jeannine M Coburn
Jeannine M Coburn
Biomedical Engineering
Assistant Professor
Affiliated with: 
Chemical Engineering
Education: 
BS Chemical Engineering University of Massachusetts – Amherst 2006
PhD Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 2012
Postdoc Biomedical Engineering Tufts University 2012-2016

The overall objectives of my research are to develop clinically translatable tissue regeneration and drug delivery strategies, and three-dimensional, in vitro human disease models using biologically-derived biomaterials. We will utilize techniques from engineering, chemistry and biology to address these research areas, including chemical modifications to alter drug-material interactions, small molecule and macromolecule conjugates to direct cell fate, and multi-cellular tissue/disease systems for paracrine signaling and direct cell-cell interactions. My research is focused on biomaterials and their applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery. During my PhD, I worked with photo-crosslinked PEGDA hydrogel systems to study repair strategies for articular cartilage diseases. I also developed low density, bioactive-electrospun fiber scaffolds for repair of articular cartilage defects. My postdoctoral research used silk fibroin proteins from Bombyx mori silkworm cocoons for (1) drug delivery systems for oncology therapeutics and HIV treatment/prevention and (2) tissue regeneration of the kidney and pancreas. In the lab and the classroom, I truly enjoy teaching. I am especially excited to mentor students on their Major Qualifying Projects. I strive to ensure that students are able to (1) apply theoretical concepts to practical applications and (2) fully understand the tasks being performed.

Office Location
100 Institute RD
Contact
Phone: 
+1-508-831-6839
Fax: 
+1-508-831-4121
jmcoburn@wpi.edu
Lab website
Functional Biomaterials Lab

Research Interests

Research Interests: 
Biomaterials
Tissue engineering
In vitro disease models
Drug delivery
Oncology therapeutics

Scholarly Work

Niemas-Teshiba R, Matsuno R, Wang L, Tang X, Chiu B, Zeki J, Coburn J, Ornell K, Naranjo A, Van Ryn C, London W, Hogart M, Gastier-Foster J, Look AT, ParK J, Maris J, Cohn S, Seeger R, Asgharzadeh S, Ikegaki N, Shimada H. (2017) MYC-family protein overexpression and prominent nucleolar formation represent prognostic indicators and potential therapeutic targets for aggressive High-MKI Neuroblastomas: A Report from the Children's Oncology Group. Oncotarget. 9(5):6416-6432.
Coburn J, Harris J, Cunningham R, Zeki J, Kaplan DL, Chiu B. Manipulation of variables in local controlled release vincristine treatment in neuroblastoma. (2017) Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 52(12):2061-2065.
Coburn J, Harris J, Zakharov AD, Poirier J, Ikegaki N, Kajdacsy-Balla A, Pilichowska M, Lyubimov AV, Shimada H, Kaplan DL, Chiu B. (2017) Implantable chemotherapy-loaded silk protein materials for neuroblastoma treatment. International Journal of Cancer. 140(3):726-35.
Coburn JM, Na E, Kaplan DL. (2015) Modulation of vincristine and doxorubicin binding and release from silk films. Journal of Controlled Release Society, 220(Pt A):229-38.
Coburn JM, Kaplan DL. (2015) Engineering biomaterial-drug conjugates for local and sustained chemotherapeutic delivery. Bioconjugate Chemistry. 26(7):1212-23.
Ashari N, Pang HW, Simon T, Xiong Y, Coburn JM, Bromberg JS, Kaplan DL, McLenithan J, Fontaine MJ. (2018). Silk fibroin preserves beta cell function under inflammatory stress while stimulating islet cell surface GLUT2 expression. In Press - Cell Immunology.
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Professional Affiliations

Professional Affiliations: 
Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)
Society for Biomaterials (SFB)
Association for Women in Science (AWIS)

Professional Highlights & Honors

Professional Highlights & Honors: 
Ruth L. Kirschtein NIH/NIDDK Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013-2016)
Ruth L. Kirschtein NIH/NIA Predoctoral Fellowship (2010-2012)

Patents

Method of enzymatic crosslinking of fibrin microthread scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
Other Inventor(s):
George D Pins, Meagan Carnes, Rebecca Mooney
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