Integrating 3D printing technologies into microfluidic device fabrication has significantly advanced the field. Rapid prototyping and complex geometries are not easily achieved with traditional methods like soft lithography. Stereolithography (SLA) and two-photon polymerization can create exact, intricate microfluidic structures. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly concerning material properties. Many 3D-printed materials lack the optical transparency and biocompatibility essential for biological applications. Requirements for higher-resolution for next-generation microfluidics continues to be a hurdle. To explore these developments further, 3DHEALS welcomes you to join our virtual event focusing on “Microfluidic Devices and 3D Printing” on April 17, 2025. This event gathers industry experts, scientists, designers, and entrepreneurs to provide insights into the latest trends and developments in the field. For more details and registration information, please visit the 3DHEALS events page.
Hemdeep brings over 30 years of business and entrepreneurial experience to his role as co-founder of CADWorks3D. An early adopter of 3D printing (2009), he recognized the waves 3D printing would make for manufacturing processes across various industries – and he knew he needed to be part of this movement. With a background in Physics and Astronomy, when he discovered the applications of 3D printing in scientific fields, particularly in microfluidics, the path was paved.
A mechanical engineer with 25 years professional experience, Paul has been involved in the Life Science sector for the last 10. He founded Rapid Fluidics in 2020 to provide a genuine rapid-protoype service to the microfluidics sector, based on the development of the process to meet the unmet need that he had experienced.
Chris Moraes is a hybrid engineer: he trained in nanoengineering (B.A.Sc.), and switched into mechanical and biomedical engineering (Ph.D, U. Toronto) before holding a Banting / NSERC postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan’s Biointerfaces Institute. His research interests lie at the interface between engineering, biology and medicine, and he is particularly curious about the role microenvironmental biomechanical forces play in driving disease and development.
Jeff Schultz, co-founder of Phase, has more than 20 years’ experience developing novel 3D printing techniques for a wide range of applications. Now, with the support of 3 NIH grants, Schultz is focusing on developing a novel way to 3D print microfluidics to make organ-on-a-chip models more commercially applicable and accessible.
He earned his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in materials engineering from Virginia Tech, where his research focused on understanding the ranges of physical, rheologic and thermodynamic properties that made a polymer suitable for selective laser sintering additive manufacturing. Schultz then became a principal partner in a start-up 3D-printing company which developed metal additive manufacturing technology and aerodynamics instrumentation. There, he led technology development and was the first inventor on all the key patents related to its additive friction stir technology. After exiting the company, Schultz earned his MBA from MIT and then built the US additive manufacturing business unit for Oerlikon Corporation, a Swiss industrial conglomerate. The facility he grew and led at Oerlikon was among the largest additive manufacturing component production facilities globally.
After a successful scale-up at Oerlikon, Schultz returned to entrepreneurship and co-founded Phase, his second startup focused on developing additive manufacturing technology. The company has received support from the NIH, NC Biotech, and the State of North Carolina, and has 5 patents in various stages related to its novel 3D printing and VivorrayTM technology.
Dr. Jenny Chen is trained as a neuroradiologist, and founder/CEO of 3DHEALS. Her main interests include next-generation education, 3D printing in the healthcare sector, automated biology, and artificial intelligence. She is an angel investor who invests in Pitch3D companies.
In 2024, 3D printing technology made significant strides in veterinary medicine, offering customized solutions that enhanced animal healthcare. The U.S. veterinary 3D printing market was valued at approximately $26.23 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.68%, reaching $51.83 million by 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of 3D-printed implants, which accounted for 33.90% of the market share in 2023. These implants, often made from biocompatible materials like titanium, have been utilized in complex procedures ranging from skull flap replacements to limb prosthetics, significantly improving the quality of life for animal patients. Beyond implants, 3D printing has facilitated the creation of patient-specific prosthetics and surgical guides, enabling veterinarians to plan and execute complex surgeries with greater precision. For instance, a collaborative effort involving a 3D printing company led to developing a custom harness for Charlotte, a green sea turtle at Mystic Aquarium suffering from positive buoyancy syndrome. Traditional methods had failed, but the 3D-printed solution allowed Charlotte to swim properly, showcasing the technology’s potential to address unique veterinary challenges. These advancements underscore the transformative impact of 3D printing in veterinary medicine, offering tailored solutions that enhance surgical outcomes and animal welfare. Join us for an exclusive virtual event exploring the cutting-edge role of 3D printing in veterinary medicine. This session will highlight how 3D printing enhances surgical precision, improves prosthetic solutions, and reshapes patient-specific treatments for animals. Industry experts and veterinary professionals will share real-world applications, success stories, and the latest research on additive manufacturing in animal healthcare. Whether you’re a veterinarian, researcher, entrepreneur, or tech enthusiast, this event offers valuable insights into the future of personalized care and innovation. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with leaders at the forefront of veterinary 3D printing.
Brad Tumas is an Account Manager at Materialise, where he supports Academic and Government Research accounts using Mimics, a 3D imaging software. In addition to this, Brad supports Clinical and Research applications in Veterinary Hospitals across North America, with the help of his Application Engineer.
With three years of experience in this role, Brad has been dedicated to helping the Veterinary community find solutions to optimize surgical procedures. His focus has always been on supporting others and improving outcomes through the use of advanced 3D imaging technology.
Brad holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan. This provided him with an understanding of both engineering and biomedical sciences, enabling him to contribute to the Mimics community.
Mateusz Pawlik – biomedical engineer specializing in the application of 3D printing technologies in veterinary medicine. With a strong background in biomechanics and implant manufacturing, he is currently pursuing a PhD at the Silesian University of Technology, focusing on the development of custom femoral block prostheses for veterinary orthopedics. Mateusz has been actively involved in scientific research and industry-driven innovation, contributing to multiple peer-reviewed publications and international conferences such as ESVOT, ECVS, and VOS. His work has led to the successful implementation of 3D-printed surgical training models, patient-specific implants, and educational tools used by veterinary professionals across Europe and beyond. At this event, he will share insights into how 3D printing is transforming veterinary orthopedics, from biomimetic surgical models to fully customized implants, shaping the future of animal healthcare.
Bill graduated from Cambridge University vet school in 1997, and after a period in general practice undertook an orthopaedic surgery Residency between 2009 and 2011. Bill gained his RCVS Diploma in Orthopaedics in 2013, and RCVS Specialist status the following year. Bill founded Vet3D in 2015 to provide orthopaedic and neurosurgical consultancy, and patient-specific surgical guide systems and implants. Vet3D has to date supplied over 3000 PSG systems to surgeons in over 20 countries worldwide. Bill has presented internationally on deformity assessment and CAD-PSG at ACVS (including a keynote presentation), ECVS, BVOA, VA3, SIOVET and others, and has authored or co-author 18 papers on these topics as well as other orthopaedic research.
Luca Manassero
Luca Manassero is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) specialized in advanced diagnostic imaging. He’s currently enrolled to the PhD program in Veterinary Sciences at the University of Turin, Italy. His work focuses on CT and MRI of small animals with oncological, orthopedical and neurological disorders. In the last few years he developed a particular interest to new technologies that can be applied in veterinary medicine such as 3D printing, virtual reality and artificial intelligence.
Sinan Ulusan
Dr. Sinan Ulusan is a veterinary orthopedic surgeon with a PhD in veterinary medicine. After working as a faculty member at the university for several years, he founded Travmavet, a company specializing in the development and production of veterinary orthopedic implants. Through Travmavet, he has contributed significantly to advancing trauma solutions for small animals, particularly in the field of fracture fixation and reconstructive surgery.
Recognizing the growing potential of additive manufacturing in veterinary medicine, Dr. Ulusan later founded Vimics, a brand dedicated to custom and mass-produced implants using cutting-edge 3D printing technologies. In addition to his work in implant innovation, he actively trains veterinary surgeons worldwide, conducts courses, and collaborates with industry leaders to enhance orthopedic surgical techniques.
Dr. Jenny Chen is trained as a neuroradiologist, and founder/CEO of 3DHEALS. Her main interests include next-generation education, 3D printing in the healthcare sector, automated biology, and artificial intelligence. She is an angel investor who invests in Pitch3D companies.
Design for medical 3D printing is not just new software. It reinvents the current design thinking behind medical device innovations, removing many traditional manufacturing constraints. 3D printing (earlier also known as rapid prototyping) is particularly complementary to design thinking, where an iterative approach is required to solve complex problems. Also, unlike conventional methods, 3D printing allows for unprecedented customization and precision, enabling the creation of devices more tailored to individual patients’ specific anatomy or needs, which are typically more costly and sometimes even impossible with traditional manufacturing processes. In this virtual event, we aim to bring together the most active 3D printing software providers, engineers, and medical 3D printing designers to share their insights and updates on our existing toolkits for medical 3D printing design, best cost-effective practices, and future growth areas. We invite everyone motivated to learn, network, and collaborate in future medical innovations to join this critical (and brainy) conversation.
Apply to speak or sponsor the event: info@3dheals.com
Dr. Elissa Ross is a mathematician and the CEO of Toronto-based startup Metafold 3D. Metafold makes a 3D geometry toolkit to solve design, simulation, automation and commercialization challenges in digital manufacturing. Metafold supports innovators to produce highly distinctive products, including lightweight parts for aerospace, cell scaffolds for lab-grown meat, and running shoes that accelerate athletes. Elissa holds a PhD in discrete geometry (2011), and worked as an industrial geometry consultant for the 8 years prior to cofounding Metafold. Metafold is the result of observations made in the consulting context about the challenges and opportunities of additive manufacturing. Drawing on her background in mathematics and industrial consulting, Elissa focuses on leveraging geometric principles to enhance product performance through computational design.
Dr. Paul Egan is a tenure-track assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas Tech University and leads the Medicine, Mechanics, and Manufacturing Design (M3D) Lab. The M3D Lab investigates a unique integration of engineering design methods for system modelling, optimization, and experimentation of diverse biomedical systems using computational design and additive manufacturing approaches. Research applications focus on 3D printing for tissue scaffolds, personalized nutrition, prosthetics, and medical devices. Dr. Egan’s engineering design teachings promote mechanical design innovation for positive societal impacts, which aligns with Dr. Egan’s leadership in entrepreneurial activities and medical technology start-ups.
Dr. Jade Myers is the Research Development Specialist at the AMPrint Center and Adjunct Faculty within the departments of Biomedical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, and the School of Individualized Studies at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). She has served as Research & Development Associate and Haiti Project Team Lead for LimbForge, a non-profit organization specializing in increasing access to quality upper limb prostheses for underserved communities throughout the world and has collaborated with Doctors without Borders (MSF) on multiple international low-cost medical device projects involving 3D printing. She instructs several graduate and undergraduate courses related to medical device design including “3D-Technologies for Prosthetic Applications”—an interdisciplinary project-based class that leverages 3D-printing, scanning, and CAD to engage students in the many facets of prosthesis design— and “Personalized 3D Printing” in which students use CT scan and point cloud data in the design of person-specific medical and athletic devices. She earned a PhD in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering in 2023, and her current research centers on finding novel ways to improve the design and safety of printed prosthetic sockets using density-graded lattice structures. She was the recipient of the 2023 Orthotic and Prosthetic Education and Research Foundation (OPERF) fellowship, and her work placed third in the international nTopology/EOS Responsible Parts Challenge competition among submissions from 28 colleges and universities across 16 countries. She received the 2023 Bruce R. James Distinguished Public Service Award for her prosthetics-related work in low-resource countries.
Mandy is a Senior Solutions Engineer at nTop and has supported customers with the nTop CS team for over three years. She trains and advises customers on simulation, topology optimization, latticing, automation, and field-driven design. She has experience in additive design, CAD, 3D printing, and machining, and she graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University. She currently lives in the Boston area and is the Boston Ambassador for Women in 3D Printing.
Dr. Jenny Chen is trained as a neuroradiologist, and founder/CEO of 3DHEALS. Her main interests include next-generation education, 3D printing in the healthcare sector, automated biology, and artificial intelligence. She is an angel investor who invests in Pitch3D companies.
3D printing (or additive manufacturing) has become an innovative driving force in orthotics and prosthetics (O&P), allowing for highly customized, precise, and affordable solutions. 3D printing also reduces production time, enabling rapid prototyping and faster turnaround for patients, which can be particularly beneficial for growing children or those requiring adjustments. Although traditional methods are still widely used, more clinicians increasingly integrate 3D printing into their daily practices as the economics of using 3D technologies improves. Furthermore, because 3D printing can be performed in-house or locally, logistics costs and lead times are reduced, providing patients faster service and fewer fitting sessions. For practitioners and clinics, this means a more efficient business model, allowing for a quicker return on investment, lower overhead, and the ability to affordably serve a growing number of patients. Join us for our annual 3DHEALS O&P event and a panel of experts from the clinics, industry, startup, and non-profit organizations. Explore where the next growth opportunity is. We will also use this opportunity to fundraise for our non-profit organization Victoria Hand Project.
Drew Meyer, MSPO, CPO, has eight years of experience in clinical orthotics and prosthetics and four years in medical device design, underpinned by a background in biomedical engineering. He holds degrees from the Colorado School of Mines and Baylor College of Medicine. Throughout his career in the O&P industry, Drew has held various roles, from staff practitioner, to clinic manager, and now developing and selling software solutions that enhance the designs and efficiency of orthotic and prosthetic care. Outside of his professional life, Drew is dedicated to his family. He has been married for 11 years and is actively involved in raising their four beautiful children. This balance of a demanding family life and a professional career in orthotics and prosthetics highlights his commitment to both personal and professional growth, and underscores his dedication to enhancing patient outcomes through innovative technology.
Joe Fairley is a Certified Prosthetist and entrepreneur with a decade of experience in applying additive manufacturing to the Orthotics and Prosthetics field. He is the owner of Ascent Fabrication – which distributes large format FDM and FGF 3D printers, premium materials, and provides installation training, ongoing troubleshooting, and product development services. Over the last three years, Ascent Fabrication has played an integral role in assisting the adoption of additive manufacturing and a digital workflow in the O&P field. Joe is currently a Business Development Manager on the Digital Services team at PROTEOR, developing automatic workflows for 3D printing through their FlySHAPE software application, an extension of the ORTEN software suite. Their aim is to provide a powerful, yet simple solution to take a raw 3D scan of a patient’s limb and apply custom templated clinical modifications, then automate device design and .gcode creation for 3D printing.
Melanie Shelton has nearly two decades of experience in the O&P industry. Her expertise spans from establishing and overseeing distributorships for orthotic fabrication equipment across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, to account management, Crisis Communications, Marketing and clinical support. In her previous role at HP, she spearheaded the development and adoption of the Arize Orthotic Solution for four years, demonstrating her commitment to innovation and digital workflow automation. She is currently leading HP’s efforts to advance 3D printing adoption and manufacturing efficiency in the O&P Industry. Her depth of experience and record of success in technological advancement in the O&P arena point to her commitment to help drive the industry forward.
Michael Peirone began his journey with Victoria Hand Project as a co-op student, where he quickly fell in love with the mission of creating life-changing prosthetic care for people in need. While completing his Biomedical Engineering degree at the University of Victoria, Michael continued to volunteer and work on projects with VHP, including a second co-op in Nepal that proved deeply inspiring, allowing him to witness the profound impact of the work firsthand. After graduating, Michael joined VHP full-time as a Biomedical Systems Designer, where he continued to grow within the organization, later serving as COO before stepping into his current role as CEO. His work with VHP has taken him around the world, including a recent trip to Ukraine in June 2023 to support prosthetic care for those affected by the war. His journey reflects a commitment to innovation in healthcare and a passion for making a lasting difference in the lives of amputees worldwide.
Evan holds degrees in Bioengineering and Finance from Lehigh University’s IBE program with a strong focus on customer-centric design and innovation. Previously, he applied his experience in protein engineering and synthetic biology as founder and COO of Lytos Technologies. At Lytos, he led R&D and commercialization efforts of an engineered enzymatic fungicide for crop protection, biomanufacturing scale-up, fundraising, and regulatory. At Icarus, he has applied his operational and biomanufacturing experience to scale Icarus’ digital and additive fabrication system to rapidly deliver highly customized devices on a mass scale while ensuring a high-quality customer experience from sales through manufacturing. He oversees company finance, marketing, regulatory and clinical research efforts. Evan is passionate about Icarus’ mission to deliver better outcomes with functional, highly-personalized devices through the combination of advanced digital and additive technologies while maximizing access to patients in need with innovative go-to-market strategies.
Dr. Jenny Chen is trained as a neuroradiologist, and founder/CEO of 3DHEALS. Her main interests include next-generation education, 3D printing in the healthcare sector, automated biology, and artificial intelligence. She is an angel investor who invests in Pitch3D companies.
Integrating 3D printing and biofabrication in breast implants and reconstruction represents a significant innovation in medical technology. Using biocompatible materials and advanced printing techniques, these implants can be customized to match the unique anatomical features of each patient. Unlike traditional implants, biofabricated breast implants have the potential to mimic natural tissue more closely, reducing complications and improving aesthetic outcomes. This technology also allows for the incorporation of living cells, which could enable the regeneration of breast tissue, offering a groundbreaking approach to reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. The convergence of 3D printing and biofabrication is poised to revolutionize the future of breast augmentation and reconstruction.
Mohit P. Chhaya, PhD, is a biomedical engineer with a career marked by pioneering contributions to biofabrication and tissue engineering. A Queensland University of Technology alum, Dr. Chhaya has authored numerous Q1 top-tier journal publications and developed cutting-edge technologies licensed by leading 3D BioPrinter manufacturers. As the co-founder and CEO of BellaSeno, he successfully raised EUR 17 million, steering the company towards ISO 13485 certification and steering its flagship product, Senella, through clinical translation. His tenure at BellaSeno also involved transforming it into a multi-product company and achieving market authorization for innovative best-in-class regenerative scaffolds. Before founding BellaSeno, Dr. Chhaya co-founded Biofabrication Design Solutions, focusing on additive manufacturing for multi-material constructs. His professional journey includes roles in regulatory affairs, postdoctoral research, and financial analysis, demonstrating a broad skill set beyond bioengineering. Dr. Chhaya’s innovations have garnered international recognition, earning him prestigious awards such as the MIT Top 20 Innovators Under 35 and the German Innovation Award 2021. An active member of the ASTM Committee on Additive Manufacturing and a respected speaker at international conferences, Dr. Chhaya is deeply involved in advancing biofabrication standards and education. His remarkable IP portfolio includes numerous patents and designs across various jurisdictions, underscoring his contribution to medical technology innovation.
Julien Payen is a Biomaterials Engineer who began his career with contributions to respiratory devices by working on nanofibers development for air filtration. Then he worked successively as R&D manager for a multinational company in protective devices and in the finance of innovative projects in medical devices. He founded Lattice Medical in late 2017 with two medical doctors and a plastic surgeon to bring an alternative to the breast reconstruction landscape with a 3D printed and bioabsorbable implant, MATTISSE. He successfully raised EUR 20 million with Lattice Medical, gathering a team of 25 engineers, PhDs and complete successful milestones such as ISO 13485:2016 certification, the establishment of a 3D printing farm production facility in a clean room to produce our devices and bringing their lead product MATTISSE, through clinical trials. Thanks to his impetus, he has enabled Lattice Medical to become a medical company developing several medical products (breast: MATTISSE, skin: RODIN) as well as medical-grade raw materials for 3D printing (LATTICE SERVICES). He has earned several awards such as Start-Up of the year by the Challenges magazine in France or apart of Medtech Innovator cohort 2024 or nominee of the prestigious Galien Prize in New York in 2023.
Dr. Jeong Hun Park is a Research Scientist in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for 3D Medical Fabrication at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University. Since starting his academic career as a Research Scientist I in 2019, Dr. Park has performed various research focusing on the development of advanced functional medical devices using 3D bioprinting and biomechanics for a wide range of biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, disease treatment, and biomimetic in vitro tissue model for diagnosis.
Dr. Xue Dong is a dedicated researcher specializing in tissue engineering and its applications in surgery. Her interest in the field began as a medical student at Weill Cornell Medical College, where she worked on collagen-based microspheres for prenatal cleft lip repair and dermal substitutes for wound healing. This experience deepened her understanding of scientific inquiry in relation to clinical practice. Since her general surgery residency, Dr. Dong has been focused on breast cancer-related research, addressing challenges faced by patients undergoing surgery and reconstruction. Her work includes evaluating treatment effects through data analysis, optimizing 3D-printed biomaterial scaffolds for reconstruction, and exploring fat grafting techniques for soft tissue enhancement.
Dr. Jenny Chen is trained as a neuroradiologist, and founder/CEO of 3DHEALS. Her main interests include next-generation education, 3D printing in the healthcare sector, automated biology, and artificial intelligence. She is an angel investor who invests in Pitch3D companies.
3D technologies for treating spinal diseases, especially degenerative diseases, are becoming a sub-universe within the orthopedic sphere. In this event, we will invite experts working on the research and commercialization of spinal devices, from software to hardware to service providers, to discuss how big and deep 3D printing is in this industry.
Craig is a Boston native, where he grew up and went to school with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After years of working in product design and manufacturing, he quickly fell in love with the magic of 3D printing, focusing on helping grow innovation of all types. Soon, he was introduced to the medical side of 3D printing, immediately saw the impact, and wanted to focus on helping the amazing people expanding that industry. Now, as one of Materialise’s Account Managers, he focuses on medical device development and the use of Mimics software solutions to use digital anatomy to improve results. Coming from additive manufacturing, he strives to teardown inefficiencies and is here to help bring time savings and automation to medical device workflows.
Ruben started his career at LayerWise (now 3D Systems) in 2010 as a Medical Application Engineer and obtained a PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 2014 from KU Leuven on the topic of 3D printing porous titanium and tantalum implants. Between 2015 and 2020, he held various management positions in additive manufacturing contract manufacturing and equipment sales. Since 2020, Ruben is co-founder and CEO of Amnovis. Amnovis is a manufacturing and engineering company that uses innovative 3D printing technologies and materials for high-end applications such as titanium spinal implants. They are an ISO 13485 certified and FDA registered contract manufacturer, providing a smooth pathway to help customers achieve FDA clearance for their 3D printed medical devices.
I am an Electrical Engineer (M.sc,, MBA) with a track record of almost 20 years in leading multi-disciplinary team in developing innovative products in various fields. In 2018, together with leading spine surgeons, I founded PathKeeper Surgical. Our goal is to make spine surgery better by creating a safer, radiation free and affordable spine surgery navigation solution. Since Feb 2012, I have led the R&D HW team responsible for new scanner development in Align technologies. In addition, I am part on the management team of Align technologies of the Israeli office in 2013, we launched the new iTero, The best intra-oral scanner in the world. Before joining Align technologies, I held various R&D leadership positions in both start-ups and large corporations, leading large groups of engineers in both direct and matrix structure, always looking for transformational innovation.
Ian Helmar, founder of NanoHive Medical, developed the proprietary lattice which is the basis for NanoHive’s product portfolio. Ian has over 10 years of engineering experience in the spine market, designing complex instruments and 3D printed spinal implants. Since 2016, Ian has served as head of Research and Development and has led the development of all of NanoHive’s product lines. Ian holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Dr. Jenny Chen is trained as a neuroradiologist, and founder/CEO of 3DHEALS. Her main interests include next-generation education, 3D printing in the healthcare sector, automated biology, and artificial intelligence. She is an angel investor who invests in Pitch3D companies.
Matthew Henshaw has worked as a headhunter for over a decade. A strong business background and thousands of hours on the phone to professionals, from multiple countries, has equipped him with an unique outlook on commercialising MedTech innovation. This means his clients enjoy relevant industry insight and advice, as well as being introduced to candidates that have a powerful impact on the growth of their business.
This annual virtual event dedicated to biomaterials and material science for 3D printing implants, medical devices, and biofabrication presents a unique and compelling opportunity for individuals across various disciplines to delve into the cutting-edge advancements shaping the future of healthcare. With the demand for innovative solutions in implantology and tissue engineering on the rise, this event serves as a pivotal platform for researchers, engineers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals to explore the latest breakthroughs and methodologies in biomaterials science. Attendees will have the chance to gain invaluable insights into the development of novel materials, fabrication techniques, and biofunctionalization strategies tailored for applications in 3D printing implants, medical devices, and biofabrication. From elucidating the fundamental properties of biomaterials to showcasing innovative approaches for enhancing biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and bioactivity of implants, this event offers a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in material science for medical applications. Moreover, the virtual format ensures accessibility to a global audience, facilitating networking opportunities and knowledge exchange among professionals from diverse backgrounds and regions.
An accomplished scientist and entrepreneur, Rao S. Bezwada, Ph.D. established Bezwada Biomedical, an innovation-based and technology-driven research company, in 2003. The company is focused on developing a wide range of novel absorbable polymeric biomaterials to enhance quality of life by producing next generation bioabsorbable medical devices with therapeutic applications. Dr. Bezwada earned a doctorate in chemistry from the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey and has over 40 years of research experience in the medical device industry, including 20 years of service at Ethicon, Inc. (a Johnson & Johnson Company). While at Ethicon, Dr. Bezwada’s research and development efforts led to the launch of a number of products, including Monocryl®, a new ultra-pliable synthetic absorbable monofilament suture. This product has represented worldwide sales of more than two (2) billion dollars since its launch in 1993 and current annual sales of over 100 million dollars. In recognition of this invention, along with its development, Johnson & Johnson, Inc. awarded Dr. Bezwada the prestigious Johnson Medal in 1996. Dr. Bezwada has been a prolific inventor and has been issued more than 135 U.S. patents on absorbable polyurethanes, absorbable amino acid polymers, absorbable polyester amides, absorbable polyoxaesters, and controlled release polymers. FDA-approved products such as MONTAGE® Putty, MONTAGE Fast Set Putty, Montage Flowable Putty, and PERMATAGE Putty, marketed by Abyrx for wound healing and bone applications, are based on Bezwada Biomedical’s absorbable polyurethane technology. Dr. Bezwada has also pioneered specialty bio-inks for 3D printing applications. In addition to his passion for science and technical accomplishments, Dr. Bezwada has also established a non-profit organization, Society for Basic Needs, in India. This organization has a mission aimed at improving the quality of life for those less fortunate by providing them with essential amenities and opportunities for health and education.
Dr. Albanna is the founder and CEO of Humabiologics, one of the only regenerative medicine companies focused on developing and commercializing human-derived biomaterials to researchers around the world for regenerative medicine applications. He holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, 2 master’s degrees in Materials Sciences and Electrical & Computer Engineering and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine, where he served as the lead of the skin bioprinting group and is currently an adjunct assistant professor of Surgery at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Dr. Albanna authored several peer-reviewed papers, book chapters and is the inventor of several issued and patent-pending applications. Dr. Albanna has 15 years of industry experience, during which he has held several senior and executive leadership positions across several industries including medical devices, blood banking, and tissue banking. His work in regenerative medicine was recognized through several prestigious awards including 2013 Thomas Edison Gold Award in Innovation, 2018 Arizona Innovator of the year finalist, and 2021 Arizona Leader in Innovation Award.
As CEO, Anis Hadj Henni oversees Rheolution’s development strategy over the Life Sciences and Agri-Food business units. He is also in charge of the customer experience and key partnerships with strategic business partners, distributors and investors. Anis works closely with Rheolution’s sales, operations and engineering teams to provide the best instruments, software and services to customers. As an entrepreneur, Anis is driven by a powerful purpose: ‘‘My team and I are on the mission of ending the status quo in the analytical testing space that limits our customer’s ability to innovate and create value for the benefit of people’s health and nutrition. We are defining, with our community of users, Soft Matter Analytics as the paradigm that will shape the future of analytical instrumentation. And, because an idea is not enough, we gathered an outstanding and talented team that works hard to make Soft Matter Analytics a realty to our customers and communities’’, he says. After a successful career in research, Anis co-founded Rheolution in 2009 with new ideas and a vision of what the future could look like. A decade after, he is extremely proud of seeing customers, colleagues, business partners and stakeholders sharing, enriching and building that vision. Anis graduated in civil engineering from the National Polytechnic School of Algiers (Algeria) and holds a Ph.D. in mechanics from Université de Bordeaux (France).
Meet Annaliese Vojnich, a dynamic business development and technical sales manager currently overseeing the Puredyne® brand and the Hygienic Solutions division for ViscoTec America. Annaliese’s professional journey spans various industries, including sales, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, research and development, and hygienic FDA manufacturing, equipping her with a versatile skill set that stands at the forefront. Earning a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics/Nutritional Sciences from the esteemed University of Georgia in 2018, Annaliese’s academic foundation underscores her commitment to knowledge and growth. Her pursuit of education extended further with a Certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University, where she refined her leadership abilities in 2022. Annaliese’s passion for biotechnology began in 2014 at the Center for Applied Genetic Technologies, a University of Georgia facility. During her time as an assistant lab manager and research assistant, her responsibilities were concentrated on genetic transformation, somatic embryogenesis, plant breeding and genetics, and tissue culture management. Annaliese’s foundation has positioned her to excel not only in sales and management roles but also in bridging the gap between innovation and real-world applications. Her current role at ViscoTec America, where she contributes to cutting-edge dosing technology and bioprinting advancements, showcases her ability to merge her passion for science with her sales acumen.
Ferry Melchels is the research professor of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering at the Future Industries Institute at the University of South Australia in Adelaide. His main interests lie in polymeric biomaterials for 3D printing, tissue engineering, and drug and vaccine delivery. His work has been published in leading journals, attracting over 17,000 citations. He is a recipient of the Patrick Neill Medal for Early Career Researchers in the Life Sciences from the Royal Society of Edinburgh (2020), and the Mid-Career Investigator Award from the International Society for Biofabrication (2019). Ferry holds an MSc (2005) in chemical engineering and PhD (2010) in biomaterials from the University of Twente (The Netherlands). He was a Marie Curie post-doctoral fellow between two of the pioneering institutes in Biofabrication; Queensland University of Technology (Brisbane, Australia) and University Medical Center Utrecht (The Netherlands) and held his first PI position at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh (UK) from 2015-2023. Besides home brewing the best beers on the weekend, his future aim is to continue advancing materials-based technology platforms for biomedical applications.
Dr. Jenny Chen is trained as a neuroradiologist, and founder/CEO of 3DHEALS. Her main interests include next-generation education, 3D printing in the healthcare sector, automated biology, and artificial intelligence. She is an angel investor who invests in Pitch3D companies.
One key player in the 3D technology space in medicine is AR/VR/MR (augmented reality, virtual reality, mixed reality). Parallel to the advancement of 3D printing, but on a somewhat divergent path, these technologies are increasingly popular with clinical end users, with applications ranging from education, telemedicine, surgical planning, intra-operative guidance, and even immersive therapy for mental illness. With the premiere of many new, more user-friendly hardware supporting AR/VR/MR from the big tech and the rising force of artificial intelligence, these technologies are no longer just complementary; they are becoming a force to be reckoned with in future healthcare. Join this exciting event, where we invite innovators, clinicians, researchers, and entrepreneurs to showcase the almost infinite possibilities in which these technologies drive innovation and improve healthcare outcomes. You are not going to get this content elsewhere.
Dr. Pearlstone is a founder/principal and CEO of DICOM Director. LLC. Previously, he was Executive Director of HealthHavenHub, a digital healthcare incubator in New Haven, CT,. Prior to that, Dr. Pearlstone had a long career in academic medicine, previously serving as Medical Director for Vitas Healthcare of Connecticut, Director of Breast Services at Hackensack University Medical Center, and Associate Chairman of Surgery, Chief of Surgical Oncology, and Director of Surgical Research at Lincoln Hospital in New York City and as Assistant Professor of Surgery at Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Pearlstone graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy and received his B.Sc. with Honors from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Following a research fellowship at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Vanderbilt, he received his MD from New York University in 1989. He completed his residency in general surgery at NYU, including two years as a Clinical Research Fellow at Memorial Sloan-Kettering. He then went on to complete a clinical fellowship in surgical oncology at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Pearlstone has worked in biomedical technology transfer since 2002, serving on the faculty of Clemson University College of Engineering in Clemson, SC, and the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ. In 2010, Dr. Pearlstone received his MBA from the Leadership in Healthcare program at the Yale University School of Management.
Dr. Jesse Courtier, MD, is the Chief of Pediatric Radiology at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, San Francisco, and a Clinical Professor in the UCSF Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging. Dr. Courtier is a multi-award-winning educator and innovator and recipient of the UCSF Catalyst Award in Digital Health. He is founder of Sira Medical, a venture-backed UCSF spinout company focusing on the use of Augmented Reality for improved pre-surgical planning, medical education, and training. Dr. Courtier has authored more than 70 peer reviewed articles with more than 2500+ citations. His interests lie in the application of Augmented Reality and other new innovative technologies for the improved care of Pediatric patients.
Justin Sutherland, CEO and co-founder of Realize Medical, began his career as a medical physicist at the Ottawa Hospital and as an assistant professor in the department of radiology at the University of Ottawa. Fueled by his passion for the transformative potential of mixed reality in medicine, he spun out Realize Medical based on the ground-breaking medical virtual reality research conducted at the hospital. With their FDA-cleared medical VR platform, Elucis, Justin and the Realize Medical team are enhancing the field of medicine and procedure planning, driving towards more efficient and accurate patient care and surgical outcomes.
Evan Derman is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of Thyng, an Augmented Reality company dedicated to pioneering the next generation of healthcare solutions. Leveraging advanced 3D visualization technologies, Thyng has developed MedReality, a suite of healthcare products designed to revolutionize medical training, education, and patient care. With a strong foundation in business operations and a keen interest in technological advancements, Evan has been pivotal in shaping Thyng’s strategic vision and operational success. His leadership and commitment to enhancing healthcare through AR technology continue to position MedReality at the forefront of the industry.
Dr. Susan Persky is an associate investigator within the Social and Behavioral Research Branch (SBRB) at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), National Institutes of Health (NIH). She is the founding director of the Immersive Simulation Program (ISP) – an emerging tech research lab, founded in 2006. Dr. Persky has published extensively in the areas of health communication, genomics, and virtual reality methods and application. She has provided scientific leadership through service on bodies such as the World Economic Forum Global Future Council on Virtual and Augmented Reality and the Veteran’s Administration Immersive Executive Round Table. Dr Persky has presented her research in venues such as the Smithsonian Institution and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
Rick Beberman is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sira Medical. Sira develops augmented reality software for pre-operative planning patient education and training. Sira’s software saves over 20% of operating room times, and makes surgery safer and more efficient. The company’s technology originated at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and is FDA 510(k) cleared. Rick has been involved in digital health for fifteen years as an entrepreneur, business development executive and board member. Prior to healthcare, Rick was an investment banker specializing in mergers and acquisitions advisory, capital raising, and partnerships. Rick has an MBA from New York University and a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Southern California.
Join a group of passionate international experts to learn about innovative biomaterials, the changing regulatory landscape, and what we can learn from failed 3D-printed implants. Please register now to be part of this inspiring conversation that promises to reshape how we think about orthopedic care.
Esther Valliant’s research over the last fifteen years has focused principally on biomaterials for hard tissue applications and the development of new medical devices. Highlights include improving the mechanical properties of bioactive glass by forming a flexible hybrid, developing an osteoconductive PMMA-free orthopedic cement for spinal surgery. She has authored of over 16 peer-reviewed journal articles, an inventor of a patent for an internal medical device and a reviewer for two scientific journals. She earned her undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from Queen’s University (Kingston, Canada), her PhD in Material Science from Imperial College London (London, UK), and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Biomedical Engineering at Dalhousie University (Halifax, Canada).
Bryan Scheer
Bryan Scheer, M.D. is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. Dr.Scheer received his medical degree at the University of Nevada and completed his orthopedics residency at the University of Oklahoma. After more than ten years of practice in rural hospitals, he co-founded inReach Healthcare (fka Rural Partners in Medicine -RPM). InReach’s mission has always been to empower rural hospitals and give them an avenue to provide specialty medical care to their patients. This also opened the door to give some balance to the maldistribution of specialty providers in these small, remote, underserved communities. InReach contracts directly with individual hospitals to keep patients and revenue local. This has positively impacted the physical health and economic viability for these partnering hospitals. Quickly, the demand became larger than what he could individually supply, so he recruited fellow orthopedic surgeons and expanded their scope. InReach has six separate divisions and offers numerous services/specialties in 18 states and over 100 hospitals. Striving to further enhance patient outcomes, Dr. Scheer developed a strong interest in alternative materials and applications for medical use which led to the founding of SiNAPTIC Technologies. SiNAPTIC focuses on Additive Manufacturing of complex and technical ceramics. 3-D printed biomaterials are the cutting edge in performance and improved outcomes but also further improve daily lives through the many uses in industry, electronics, and aerospace/defense. Both inReach and SiNAPTIC are based north of Denver, CO. Dr. Scheer lives full time in Steamboat Springs, CO with his wife Melanie. They share four adult children.
Jennifer Palinchik is President and Co-Founder of JALEX Medical, LLC. The company is located just outside of Cleveland, OH and provides Medical Device Design, Regulatory, and Quality Consultation services to companies, hospitals, and surgeon inventors seeking entrance into the Medical Device Market. She brings over 20 years of experience in the field, specializing in design and development and regulatory affairs activities. Under her leadership, the company has experienced year over year growth and has achieved a significant amount of device clearances thru the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Earlier in her career, she performed artificial pancreas and kidney stem cell research for animal studies and clinical trials. She is an active member in regional organizations that promote biomedical and healthcare in Northeast Ohio, has been a guest speaker at conferences for the medical industry, sits on several advisory boards, and has been featured in several local and national publications. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering degree from the University of Toledo and a Master in Business Administration in Executive Management & Entrepreneurship degree from Ashland University.
I have 15 years’ experience in implant research, development, and regulation. My background is in mechanical (BEng) and orthopaedic (MSc, PhD) engineering. I have extensive experience of working closely with spine, hip and knee surgeons, hospital R&D teams within the NHS and Europe, healthcare regulators, notified bodies, academic researchers, engineers, scientists, and orthopaedic manufacturers. I have published 86 peer-reviewed journal papers with over 110 co-authors on research relating to the analysis of new and retrieved orthopaedic implants (post-market surveillance). This has led to more than 150 abstracts accepted for podium presentation at international conferences in Europe and the US. My key research themes have included the analysis of metal-on-metal hip implants, dual-taper stem hips, knee implants and medical imaging, magnetically controlled growing spine rods and lower-limb nails, additive-manufactured implants, and the use of blood metal ion testing to monitor the function of implants.
Craig Rosenblum is the President of Himed. Over 30 years of operation, Himed has become a global leader in calcium phosphate-based biomaterial production and has developed proprietary plasma spray coatings and surface treatments. Craig and his team collaborate directly with dental and medical device manufacturers around the world to provide innovative biomaterial solutions. Craig discovered a unique application for MATRIX MCD® post-processing additively manufactured titanium implantable devices using Himed’s proprietary and biocompatible resorbable blast media.
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