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The ɫ����Ƶhas hired leading biomedical engineer Scott Wood, Ph.D., as director of the recently established Portland Laboratory for Biotechnology and Health Sciences. He will start Aug. 5.

Wood comes to ɫ����Ƶ from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, where he is an associate professor of nanoscience and biomedical engineering. With over 15 years of experience across academic, health care, and corporate environments, he brings a multifaceted understanding of therapeutic and disease mechanisms, biomaterial and biomechanical considerations, and clinical needs to Maine’s leading health sciences university.

As lab director, he will oversee a world-class, interprofessional facility and four inaugural faculty whose collaborative research endeavors examine the root causes of human disease and novel methods for treatment. 

Housed on the Portland Campus for the Health Sciences, the Portland Laboratory for Biotechnology and Health Sciences additionally facilitates opportunities for strategic research partnerships in industry, contributing to workforce development in one of Maine’s fastest growing research sectors.

In addition to his responsibilities as lab director, Wood will also serve as an associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, with an appointment in the School of Computer Science and Data Analytics, and as well as Entrepreneur in Residence, making him a pivotal addition to ɫ����Ƶ’s growing academic and research community, said Gwendolyn Mahon, provost and senior vice president of Academic Affairs.

 “Scott’s broad experience as an engineer and strong passion for advancing medical research, therapies, and devices — coupled with his proven track record in grant acquisition and academic presentations — will significantly benefit ɫ����Ƶ as it evolves to become one of Maine’s and the region’s leading institutions for biosciences and biotechnology research and education,” Mahon remarked. “We are confident that his leadership and expertise will propel our biotechnology and health sciences programs to unprecedented heights.”

Wood holds both a Ph.D. and M.S. in Bioengineering from Clemson University and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University. Additionally, he has a certificate in technology entrepreneurship from Clemson University's MBA Program and has been nominated as a 2024 rising star in mechanical engineering by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

As an entrepreneur, Wood is the founder and chief technology officer of CellField Technologies LLC, a startup that provides innovative drug screening services for pharmaceutical scientists developing treatments for joint diseases. 

Wood has authored over a dozen peer-reviewed articles on nanocomposites and cellular mechanobiology and has demonstrated success in securing significant grant funding, including substantial support from the National Science Foundation. 

“I am absolutely thrilled to join the ɫ����Ƶ community and serve as director of the Portland Laboratory for Biotechnology and Health Sciences and Entrepreneur in Residence," Wood reflected. "This role represents a unique opportunity to engage in a vibrant and expanding research environment, where I can leverage my experience to drive innovative solutions and build strategic partnerships. I am deeply committed to advancing Maine’s bioeconomy and eagerly anticipate collaborating with ɫ����Ƶ faculty and partner institutions to catalyze for regional growth in biotechnology.”