Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, January 2023
Thesis: A new cartilage biomechanical framework: The role of the cartilage interface driving dynamic competitive fluid exchange
Advisor: David L. Burris, Ph.D.
Thesis Committee: Dawn M. Elliott, PhD; Christopher Price, PhD; Elise A. Corbin, PhD
CUNY City College of New York, New York, NY
B. S., Biomedical Engineering, June 2017
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Postdoctoral Research Associate, 2023- Present
Multi-Scale Fiber-Reinforced tissue Biomechanics Lab, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Principal Investigator: Dawn M. Elliott, Ph.D.
Investigating structure-function relationships in load-bearing orthopedic joints
Researching the effects of weight-bearing and range of motion on repaired meniscus mechanics
Graduate Research Assistant, 2017-2023
Materials Tribology Lab, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Principal Investigator: David L. Burris, Ph.D.
Researching the mechanical and tribological properties of articular cartilage and its mechanisms for preserving and maintaining cartilage health
Developing analytical tools to predict underlying cartilage tissue mechanics and their real-world implications on joint disease
Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2016-2017
Tissue Engineering, Regeneration & Repair Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY
Principal Investigator: Peter A. Torzilli, Ph.D.
Assessed UV-Vis absorbance spectra of biochemical components of articular cartilage
Analyzed cartilage mechanical properties via two contact models (Hertz and Jaffar) to evaluate a potential alternative model for soft materials
Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2015-2017
Bioresponsive Drug Delivery & Tissue Engineering Lab, CUNY City College, New York, NY
Principal Investigator: Debra Auguste, Ph.D.
Synthesized 3D, patterned biocompatible fetal trachea constructs consisting of MA-co-MMA hydrogels using UV photopolymerization
Mechanically characterized MA-co-MMA constructs through volumetric compliance, uniaxial tensile radial compressive loading
Undergraduate Senior Capstone Design Project, 2016-2017
CUNY City College, New York, NY
Collaborated with researchers and inventors at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and © Notch Interfaces Inc. to determine essential parameters to assess muscle tone
Developed a functioning prototype that measures and records angular velocity, angular displacement and muscle resistance in the wrist
PUBLICATIONS
11. Zhang, H.*, Zou, X.*, Benson, J. M., Burris, D. L., Fox, J. M. & Jia, X. (2022). Interfacial biorthogonal crosslinked hydrogels. *denotes equal contribution (in preparation)
10. Benson, J. M., Schrader, J.L., Moore, A.C. & Burris, D. L. (2022). Slick yet stuck: Elucidating the underlying adhesive mechanisms in articular cartilage. (in preparation)
9. Voinier, S., Benson, J. M., Moore, A.C., & Burris, D. L. (2022). Elucidating the relationship between contact stresses and applied loads of cartilage explants. (in preparation)
8. George, O. J.*, Song, J.*, Benson, J. M., Burris, D. L., Fox, J. M. & Jia, X. (2022). Tunable Synthesis of Hydrogel Microfibers via Interfacial Tetrazine Ligation. Biomacromolecules, 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00504 *denotes equal contribution
7. Benson, J. M. “Slick yet stuck: Reconciling super-lubricity and super-adhesion in articular cartilage.” Tribology and Lubrication Technology Magazine, May 2022.
6. Voinier, S., Moore, A.C., Benson, J. M., Price, C., & Burris, D. L. (2022). The modes and competing rates of cartilage fluid loss and recovery. Acta Biomaterialia, 138, 390-397.
5. Kupratis, M. E., Gure, A. E., Benson, J. M., Ortved, K. F., Burris, D. L., & Price, C. (2022). Comparative Tribology II: Measurable biphasic tissue properties have predictable impacts on cartilage rehydration and lubricity. Acta Biomaterialia, 138, 375-389.
4. Benson, J. M., Kook, C., Voinier, S, Moore, A.C., Price, C., & Burris, D. L. (2020). Range-of-motion affects cartilage fluid load support: functional implications for prolonged inactivity. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 29(1): 134-142.
3. Boazak, E.G.M., Benson, J.M., & Auguste, D.T. (2017). R and Z-axis Patterned Scaffolds Mimic Tracheal Circumferential Compliance and Longitudinal Extensibility. ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, 3(12), 3222-3229.
2. Finch, A. J.*, Benson, J. M.*, Donnelly, P. E., & Torzilli, P. A. (2017). Light absorptive properties of articular cartilage, ECM molecules, synovial fluid and photoinitiators as potential barriers to light-initiated polymer scaffolding procedures. Cartilage, 1947603517713815. *denotes equal contribution
1. Mansfield, E. G., Greene Jr, V. K., Benson, J. M., & Auguste, D. T. (2016). Synthesis and Characterization of Patterned, 3D Hydrogels for Co-differentiation as an Engineered Fetal Trachea. In TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A (Vol. 22, pp. S75-S75).
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Oral Presentations
7. Benson, J. M., Schrader, J. L., Moore, A. C. & Burris, D. L. Slick yet stuck: Elucidating the role of adhesion in cartilage. 48th Northeast Bioengineering Conference, New York, NY, April 2022 (15-min talk; 5-min Q&A) *Young Scientist Award Finalist
6. Benson, J. M., Schrader, J. L., Moore, A. C. & Burris, D. L. Slick yet stuck: Elucidating the role of adhesion in cartilage. University of Delaware BME Graduate Student Symposium, Newark, DE, February 2020. (3-min pitch; 2-min Q&A) *Winner of best 3-minute presentation
5. Benson, J. M., Schrader, J. L., Moore, A. C. & Burris, D. L. Slick yet stuck: Elucidating the role of adhesion in cartilage. BMES Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, October 2019. (12-min talk; 3- min Q&A)
4. Benson, J. M., Kook, C., Price, C., & Burris, D. L. Maintaining Cartilage Hydration During Sliding: The Effect of Migration Length. STLE Annual Meeting, Nashville, TN, May 2019. (20min talk; 10-min Q&A)
3. Benson, J. M., Kook, C., Price, C., & Burris, D. L. Cartilage fluid load support: How much migration is necessary? STLE Tribology Frontiers Conference, Chicago, IL, October 2018. (15-min talk; 5-min Q&A)
2. Benson, J.M., Schrader, J.L., Moore, A.C., Burris, D.L. Elucidating the role of activity in the maintenance and recovery of cartilage health. Graduate Student Government Forum, University of Delaware, Newark, DE April 2018. (12-min talk; 3-min Q&A)
1. Benson, J.M., Mansfield, E.G., Auguste, D.T. Synthesis of a 3D-Patterned Fetal Trachea Polymer Construct Mimicking the Mechanics of the Native Fetal Trachea. Mid-Atlantic Biomaterials Day 2017, New York, NY, February 2017. (5-min pitch)
Poster Presentations
14. Benson, J. M. & Burris, D. L. Slick yet stuck: Elucidating articular cartilage adhesion. Musculoskeletal Biology and Bioengineering Gordon Research Conference & Seminar. Andover, NH, August 2022.
13. Benson, J. M. & Burris, D. L. Effects of interface material on cartilage fluid load support in migrating contact areas. Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting, Tampa, FL, February 2022.
12. Benson, J. M., Schrader, J. L., Moore, A. C. & Burris, D. L. Slick yet stuck: Discerning the adhesive mechanisms in articular cartilage. Penn Orthopaedics Cartilage Repair Symposium, Virtual, September 2020.
11. Benson, J. M., Schrader, J. L., Moore, A. C. & Burris, D. L. Slick yet stuck: Elucidating the role of adhesion in cartilage. STLE Philadelphia Section Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, November 2019.
10. Benson, J. M., Kook, C., Voinier, S., Price, C., & Burris, D. L. Maintaining cartilage hydration during sliding part 1: The effect of migration length. Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering and Biotransport Conference (SB3C), Seven Springs, PA, June 2019.
9. Benson, J. M., Voinier, S., Garabedian, N.T., Moore, A.C., Price, C., & Burris, D. L. Interfacial Mechanics of Soft & Hydrated Biomaterials. Goreâ Research Symposium, Newark, DE, December 2018
8. Benson, J. M., Kook, C., Price, C., & Burris, D. L. Cartilage fluid load support: How much migration is necessary? STLE Tribology Frontiers Conference, Chicago, IL, October 2018.
7. Benson, J. M., Kook, C., Price, C., & Burris, D. L. Cartilage fluid load support: How much migration is necessary? Musculoskeletal Research and Repair Symposium, Einstein School of Medicine, Bronx, NY, October 2018
6. Benson, J. M., Kook, C., Price, C., & Burris, D. L. Cartilage fluid load support: How much migration is necessary? Penn Orthopaedics 2018 Cartilage Repair Symposium, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, September 2018.
5. Benson, J.M., Schrader, J.L., Moore, A.C., Price, C, Burris, D.L. The effects of contact stress and articulation amplitude on fluid load support in articular cartilage. CBER Day, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, May 2018.
4. Benson, J.M., Camara, H.E., Fanus, C., Louie, J.W.S., Redzematovic, K., Bikson, M., Garanich, J.S., Vazquez, M., Putrino, D. Quantitative Analysis of Abnormal Muscle Tone in the Wrist of Neurological Patients with Spasticity. BME Day, CUNY City College, New York, NY May 2017.
3. Benson, J.M., Mansfield, E.G., Auguste, D.T. Synthesis of a 3D-Patterned Fetal Trachea Polymer Construct Mimicking the Mechanics of the Native Fetal Trachea. Mid-Atlantic Biomaterials Day 2017, New York, NY, February 2017.
2. Mansfield, E.G., Greene, V.K., Benson, J.M., Auguste, D.T. Synthesis of a 3D-Patterned Fetal Trachea Polymer Construct Mimicking the Mechanics of the Native Fetal Trachea. TERMIS-AM Conference, San Diego, CA, December 2016.
1. Condo, E., Benson, J.M., Mahoney, J.M., Morely, G.E., Hazen, S.L., Fisher, E.L., Russell, S. Increased Efficacy of Nanoparticle Uptake is Regulated by Osmotic Balance. BME Day, CUNY City College, New York, NY May 2015.
INVITED TALKS
New York University (NYU), Tandon School of Engineering, Upward Bound Program, April 2021
“My path to graduate school and becoming a biomedical engineer” (virtual presentation)
Spoke about my path to college and graduate school to a group of high school students from historically underrepresented minorities, low-income families, and/or families where neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree
Mentoring
Undergraduate Student Research
Manju Sivasankar, University of Delaware—Biomedical Engineering 2023
Caroline Kook, University of Delaware—Mechanical Engineering 2019
Jordyn Schrader, University of Delaware—Biomedical Engineering 2019
Jaclyn Ulvila, University of Delaware—Mechanical Engineering 2019
High School Student Research
Max Bricker, Conrad Schools of Science, 2020
LEADERSHIP AND OUTREACH
GradMAP Philippines, Virtual STEM Mentorship Program, 2022-Present
Mentor
Assist Filipino/a/x STEM students applying for graduate STEM programs globally
UD Women in Engineering (WiE), University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 2020-2022
Outreach Chair
Facilitated relationships between WiE and organizations within and outside of UD
Coordinated the WiE tutoring program with local middle school for historically underserved families (Serviam Girls Academy)
Solicited UD graduate student volunteers and paired them with Serviam students for weekly or bi-weekly tutoring sessions
UD Women in Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 2019-2022
Biomedical Engineering Department Representative
Member of the steering committee consisting of (2) female representatives from each department in the college of engineering
Organized events within UD community open to all students and faculty, to promote gender equity within STEM
BMES Diversity Committee, National Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), 2019-2022
Committee Member
Collaborated with committee members from various nationwide universities to develop programming to ensure participation in BMES events from a diverse community of biomedical engineers
Assisted in organization of BMES diversity events for each BMES Annual Meeting (see more below)
Serviam Girls Academy, Wilmington, DE, 2017-Present
STEM Tutor and Enrichment Program Volunteer
Tutor students (1-to-1 and small groups) in grades 5-8th twice weekly in Math, Science and teach general study skill
Volunteer as an instructor for after-school engineering enrichment program; teach short lectures followed by hands-on activities based on engineering principles
UD BME Diversity Committee, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 2020-2021
Chair/Member
Surveyed UD BME graduate students on climate of the UD BME Department, and BME as a field, in regard to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)
Formed of a graduate student diversity committee with the overall goal of promoting DEI education and trainings, building community engagement and addressing current department policies to further increase DEI initiatives
Hosted graduate student events focused on various aspects of diversity and inclusion (i.e. anti-black racism, LGBTQIA+, etc.)
EmPOWER, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 2019-2021
Biomedical Engineering Peer Mentor
Empathetic Peers Offering Wisdom, Encouragement and Resources; initiative to promote mental health and wellness among engineering graduate students
Peer mentor for 1st-year BME PhD students, providing support for transitioning into graduate school
UD BMES Grad Chapter, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 2018-2019
Social Chair
Assisted executive board members in organizing social events for UD BMES members
Organized joint events with undergraduate student chapter
UD Graduate Student Recruitment Committee, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 2018
Planning Committee
Execution and organization of (2) graduate student recruitment weekends for incoming prospective students
Coordinated logistical aspects of tours, interviews and participation of current and prospective graduate students
Launch Math & Science Centers, New York, NY, 2016-2017
STEM Instructor
Led and taught STEM classes (groups and one-to-one) for children in grades Pre-K through 8th in NYC schools and at the Launch Flagship Center
Created a STEM based curriculum for large scale summer camps throughout 5 NYC centers
CUNY Bronx Community College, Bronx, NY, 2015-2016
College Assistant (Environmental Health and Safety)
Assisted the director of the EHS department with administrative tasks and field research
Contributed in the production of state and city regulated safety documents
Created and implemented lab and safety protocol used within the Bronx Community College campus
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, 2021
Event Organizer | BMES Diversity Committee Member
Contributed to the organization of the in-person and virtual diversity events (LGBTQIA+ & Friends Dessert Social, Gender Equity Luncheon, Celebration of Minorities Luncheon)
Moderated in-person Gender Equity Luncheon
Fielded and composed a list of action items from the audience on areas that need improvement in regard to gender equity and the long-term effects of COVID-19 on gender equity within academia
University of Delaware Senior Engineering Design Symposium, Newark, DE, 2021
Session Moderator
Moderated solid mechanics session track
University of Delaware Senior Engineering Design Symposium, Virtual, 2020
Project Evaluator
Evaluated/scored two (2) senior design projects based on fulfillment of design of instrument, prototyping and functioning/accuracy criteria
Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) Annual Meeting, VirtuaL, 2020
Event Organizer | BMES Diversity Committee Member
Solicited invited speakers and panelists for diversity events (LGBTQIA+ & Friends Event, Gender Equity Event, BME Townhall on supporting our Black, LatinX and Indigenous Members)
Formulated questions for Gender Equity Event panelists
Moderated live Gender Equity Event and fielded Q&A discussion with audience (~300 attendees)
Assisted with coordination of after-hours social events for each diversity event
Created graphics and flyers for advertising the diversity events via Twitter
Live-tweeted diversity events and engaged with BMES 2020 attendees via official BMES Diversity Twitter account
Organized the first BMES Diversity Twitter event (#DiversityInBMEWeek); developed daily themes and hashtags for a 5-day week to celebrate the diversity of BMES members prior to the start of the 2020 BMES Virtual Meeting
Collaborated with external organization (Everyday BME) to facilitate a free giveaway contest for #DiversityInBMEWeek and further advertise the efforts of the BMES Diversity Committee
Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, 2019
Event Organizer| BMES Diversity Committee Member
Solicited nominations for BMES Diversity Award and lecture
Coordinated program logistics and moderated BMES Women’s Luncheon
Center for Biomechanical Engineering Research (CBER) Day, Newark, DE, 2018
Symposium Organizer
Reviewed and selected submitted abstracts for annual symposium
IEEE International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging, Brooklyn, NY, 2015
Student Volunteer
Assisted with technical presentations during conference track sessions
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
University of Delaware Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Newark, DE, 2018
Graduate Teaching Assistant| Biomechanics ll: Statics, Dynamics and Mechanics in Bioengineering
Developed and graded homework and test material
Provided weekly office hours aiding undergraduate students in homework and test preparation
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Proficient in Microsoft Office, MATLAB, ImageJ
Knowledgeable in Solidworks, C++, Python, Java
Trained in use of Micro-CT, SEM, TEM, confocal microscopy
Proficient in mechanical testing of biphasic materials
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Young Scientist Award Finalist, 48th Northeast Bioengineering Conference, 2022
Rising BME Scholar (Regional Career Conference at Washington University, St. Louis), 2022
University of Delaware Graduate Scholar Fellowship, 2021
STLE Jeanie S. McCoy Fellowship, 2021
STLE Philadelphia Section Scholarship, 2019
SB3C Diversity Travel Award, 2019
Force and Motion Foundation Travel Award, 2019
University of Delaware Women in Engineering Travel Grant, 2018
George W. Laird Merit Fellowship Finalist, 2018
University of Delaware Biomedical Engineering Chair’s Fellowship, 2017
Member, National Society of Leadership and Success, 2014-2017
Dean’s List, CUNY City College of New York, 2012-2013
NYS High School Scholar Athlete,2010-2012
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES
Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), Member, 2014-Present
Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE), Member, 2018-Present
Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Member, 2018-Present
National Science Policy Network (NSPN), Member, 2020-Present
Other Interests
Playing with my dog, running, yoga, live music festivals, pottery/ceramics making (wheel-throwing & hand-building)