Our mission is to improve the current treatment options available to patients by using engineering concepts in the field of medicine. To do this, we design and develop novel polymer materials for implant devices and drug delivery. By leveraging our knowledge in device design, biomaterials engineering, and polymer characterization, we will improve upon these materials and devices until they are ready for use in the clinic. We have established collaborations with UT Medical Center, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory that provide us with ample opportunities to further develop our products and streamline them to patients. We have also begun work with the Childhood Solid Tumor Network within St Jude Children’s Research Hospital to obtain cell lines and tissue for our preclinical studies, as well as access to their extensive data portal.
Welcome to Barker Lab. I’m Dr Elizabeth Barker, and my research leverages interdisciplinary scientific knowledge of device design, biomaterials engineering, and polymer characterization. I intend to focus my research career on designing and developing novel polymer materials for implant devices and drug delivery and commercialize my laboratory findings for use in the clinical setting. My goal is to be a link between engineering and medicine and to contribute to the care of others as a research scientist dedicated to the development of medical devices that physicians can use to improve the lives of their patients.
Would you like to collaborate or do you have a question about our research? Email us at edb [at] tennessee.edu