BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Andualem B. Workie is a highly skilled Materials Science and Engineering researcher specializing in advanced biomaterials and tissue engineering, driving innovation at the interface of materials science, nanotechnology, and biomedicine. With a Ph.D. from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Dr. Workie develops cutting-edge solutions for regenerative medicine, particularly bone and cartilage repair, leveraging expertise in functional biointerfaces, nanostructured materials, and thin-film technology. His advanced skillset includes plasma treatment, layer-by-layer assembly, and atomic force microscopy for biointerface design; controlled polymerization, targeted drug delivery systems, and 3D cell culture models for nanomaterial-based therapies; pulsed laser deposition, atomic layer deposition, and micro/nanofabrication techniques for biomedical thin films; and bioink formulation for the 3D-bioprinting. Dr. Workie is dedicated to translating research into scalable clinical solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration and a commitment to advancing medical technology and advanced manufacturing.

Research areas

Functional Biointerfaces: designing biomaterials that interact with biological systems for tissue regeneration and biosensing applications.

Biomimetic Systems: developing materials that mimic natural biological processes for regenerative medicine.

Antifouling Materials: exploring coatings and surfaces that resist bio-fouling for biomedical and environmental applications.

Biosensors: contributing to the development of optical and acoustic biosensors for healthcare and environmental monitoring.

Professional Memberships

Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS)
The Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IMO3), Associate of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining

Expertise

Functional Biointerfaces and Surface Engineering

Description: Design of biomaterial surfaces interacting with biological systems for tissue integration, drug release, and cellular control.

Advanced Skills

Plasma Treatment & Functionalization
Layer-by-Layer (LbL) Assembly
Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs)
Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)
Molecular Dynamics (MD) Simulations
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

2. Nanostructured Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine

Description: Nanomaterials (nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanotubes) for tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and biosensing.

Advanced Skills

Controlled Polymerization (RAFT, ATRP)
Microfluidic Synthesis
Electrospinning
Ligand-Targeted Nanoparticles
Stimuli-Responsive Nanoparticles
3D Cell Culture Models
In Vivo Imaging (Bioluminescence, MRI)

3. Thin-Film Technology for Biomedical Applications

Description: Thin films for implant coatings, biosensors, and drug delivery.

Advanced Skills

Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD)
Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD)
Magnetron Sputtering with Reactive Gases
Photolithography
Focused Ion Beam (FIB) Milling
Cyclic Voltammetry (CV)
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)

4. Bioprinting and 3D Tissue Engineering

Description: Fabricating 3D tissue constructs using bioprinting (cells, biomaterials, growth factors).

Advanced Skills

Bioink Formulation (Rheology, Crosslinking)
Multi-Material Bioprinting
Vascularization Strategies
Microfluidic Integration

Achievements

1. Research and Publications

• Spray Pyrolysis Expertise
Authored a comprehensive review detailing the evolution, operational factors, and diverse applications of spray pyrolysis in advanced materials engineering, identifying optimization strategies to overcome limitations.

• Bioactive Glass-Ceramics Innovation
Provided a holistic overview of bioactive glass ceramics, highlighting their mechanical properties, apatite formation mechanisms, and medical applications, while underscoring the importance of addressing remaining challenges for broader use.

• Ion-Doped MBG Synthesis and Applications
Spearheaded a review on ion-doped mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) synthesized via spray pyrolysis, showcasing its preparation methods, characterization techniques, and diverse biomedical applications, with a focus on scalability and enhanced bioactivity.

• Advanced Biomaterials Research
Led an investigation into the in vitro performance of spray-pyrolyzed apatite wollastonite glass ceramics (AWGCs), demonstrating their non-toxic nature, ability to promote cell growth, and potential as promising candidates for tissue engineering.

• Sustainable Materials Engineering
Conducted research that significantly enhanced bamboo's bending strength (73.11% increase) through optimized and sustainable treatment parameters, promoting its viability as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional construction materials.

2. Mentorship and STEM Promotion

Mentored undergraduate students in research projects focused on nanomaterials and biomedical applications, fostering innovation and inspiring the next generation of scientists.

3. Expert Peer Review

Served as a peer reviewer for the Advances of Science and Technology journal, ensuring the quality and integrity of scientific research.

4. Professional Recognition

Earned membership in prestigious professional organizations, including The Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3) and the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS).

5. Advance Knowledge

Presented research findings at international conferences, disseminating knowledge and engaging with the broader scientific community.

6. STEM Education and Outreach

Developed and delivered engaging physics curricula as an instructor at Tilili Pre-University, nurturing students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

7. Sustainability Advocacy

Led community initiatives to promote recycling and sustainable materials practices, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship.