faculty
Tracie Ferreira, PhD
Associate Professor / Chairperson
Bioengineering
Contact
508-910-6537
508-999-9139
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Education
1996 | Georgetown University | PhD in Microbiology |
1990 | Wheaton College | BA in Biology/Chemistry |
Teaching
- BNG 424/524- Human Organogenesis
- BNG 420/520- Case Studies in Bioengineering
- BNG 412/512- Molecular Bioengineering
- BNG 321- Quantitative Anatomy and Physiology
- BNG 255- Biology for Engineers
Teaching
Programs
Programs
- Bioengineering BS, BS/MS
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology MS, PhD
- Engineering and Applied Science PhD
Research
Research awards
- $ 64,000 awarded by Paramount Planet Product, LLC | NSF for SBIR Phase II: Cellulose Based Material Innovations for Ocean Compostable Fish Friendly Plastic
- $ 375,000 awarded by Massachusetts Life Sciences Center for Bioreactor Lab
- $ 72,226 awarded by Massachusetts Life Sciences Center for MLSC Highschool Apprenticeship Challenge 2023
- $ 99,977 awarded by U.S. Army CCDC Soldier Center for Synthetic Biology based Nanomaterials for Soldiers Protection
- $ 40,125 awarded by Massachusetts Life Sciences Center for MLSC High School Apprenticeship Challenge 2022
Research
Research interests
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Biological engineering: how do we define a biological system and understand the components that drive the formation and processes of that system? Organisms use complex pathways and signals to elicit very specific developmental outcomes as well as to regulate day to day activities. Using the zebrafish Danio rerio as a model for development we ask questions regarding the cell signals that drive development of craniofacial elements as well as the signals required for tissue regeneration in the zebrafish. Due to the evolutionary conservation of genes and proteins between humans and lower vertebrates such as zebrafish, we can apply what we learn in this model to various goals in bioengineering. Understanding multipotent cell types and the signals required for their differentiation generates the potential to assist in designing tissue engineering experiments. Furthermore, understanding the characteristics of the zebrafish that allow them to regenerate fins, heart and liver tissue will help us define events that may lead to potential therapies in humans who have lost the ability to regenerate most tissues.