Associate Professor
Hofstra University
Dr. Merna holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from University of California Irvine. His research and teaching interest is tissue engineering, with an emphasis on decellularization and vascular grafts. His doctoral research included decellularization and recellularization of cardiac tissues in order to engineer 3D constructs. Currently, he is focused on developing plant-derived ECM scaffolds with a wide range of structural, mechanical and biological properties for use in vascular tissue engineering applications. Dr. Merna recently created the STEM Peer Mentorship Program which will facilitate upper level undergraduate student mentorship for first and second year students. He serves as adviser for the NSBE Hofstra Chapter and is involved in several science and engineering programs for K-12 and undergraduate students each summer.
My research is currently focusing on recellularization strategies that incorporate multiple modes of cell delivery, followed by appropriate pre-conditioning of a vascular construct with the goal of successful long-term engraftment. We have successfully decellularized umbilical arteries using different protocols and observed significant structural and mechanical differences between these scaffolds. Subsequent recellularization with endothelial cells suggests that tissues treated with CHAPS and SDS promote cell adhesion and proliferation. This has led to my current NIH funded project involving decellularization of plant leaves in order to explore alternative vascular scaffold materials.