Donald Richieri Griffin, Ph.D.
About
Donald Griffin improves clinical translation of acellular and cellular therapies through enhanced hydrogel-tissue integration, specifically focusing on the development of passive and active instructional microenvironments using microscale building blocks. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia. After his training in Biomedical Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles, Don joined the faculty at the University of Virginia in 2017.
His lab works on creating advanced biomaterials to support both fundamental science and translational approaches to tissue regeneration. They engineer biomaterials using a unique combination of microscale geometric control and novel chemistries. Don's work also bridges the academic-industry relationship with recognition as an inventor on several pending patents. Additionally, Don is a co-founder of a growing biomaterials company, Tempo Therapeutics (located in San Diego).
Education
Post-Doc Chemical Engineering, UC Los Angeles, 2012-2016
Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering, UC Los Angeles, 2011
B.S. Biomedical Engineering, UC Davis, 2006
My research focuses on inventing micro-scale, instructive biomaterials for accelerated and improved recovery from injury and illness with a heavy emphasis on clinical translation.
Research Interests
Selected Publications
Courses Taught
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UVA Faculty Uncover the Key to Preventing Fibrosis in Biomaterial Implants
Read NowResearchers in the UVA Department of Biomedical Engineering have discovered a type of fibroblast cells that appear to drive a deadly disease progression.
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Podcast: James Daniero and Donald Griffin on Regenerating Vocal Cords and Airways with Novel Biomaterials
Read NowDaniero (UVA School of Medicine) and Griffin (Biomedical Engineering) discuss how biomaterials are engineered for tissue scaffolding in unique environments within our bodies.