Dr Anita K Ghag PhD, BSc(Hons), FHEA

• PGCert Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, University of Birmingham, 2018
• Aurora Leadership Programme, 2014
• PhD in Biomedical Materials, School of Materials, University of Manchester, 2011
• BSc(Hons) in Biomedical Materials Science, University of Nottingham, 2007

Anita graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Materials Science from the University of Nottingham in 2007. She went on to study for a PhD in Biomaterials Science based on the development of electrospun synthetic bone graft substitutes at the University of Manchester in 2010. After two short post doctorial positions, Anita was appointed as a lecturer in Regenerative Medicine in the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham in September 2013. Her research focuses on the development of novel, functional materials which have the potential to be used in various applications including bone, cartilage and the cornea. She has a particular interest in how additive manufacturing can be used to replicate tissue to restore functionality following trauma or disease.

Anita teaches on the undergraduate and masters programmes in the School of Chemical Engineering including:

• Chemistry and Materials
• From Bench to Market of Pharmaceutical Drugs
• Introduction to Healthcare Technologies
• Design and Development of Drug Delivery Systems

Anita supervises a number of undergraduate, masters and PhD research students within the School of Chemical Engineering.

We are always looking for highly motivated and hardworking people to join our team.

Postdoctoral Researchers

Opportunities that arise will be advertised through the group's @TRAILab Twitter acount and in prominent advertisers such as the jobs.ac.uk website and through the University’s jobs webpage.

PhD and MSc Research Students

Applications are welcomed from suitable candidates who wish to study for a PhD. Funded places for home/EU students are available and several opportunities to support study through scholarships are also possible for excellent candidates from all around the world. We are also pleased to support exchange of doctoral students nationally and internationally. Please contact Anita to discuss possible PhD and MSc research opportunities. Funded positions will be advertised on FindAPhD.

Anita’s research is focussed on the design and development of 3D medical devices including scaffolds and adhesives, with the aim of increasing functionality using an acellular approach. Techniques adopted within the group include electrospinning and 3D printing in order to maximise the impact of topography on the cellular response.

More recently, Anita has diversified her research portfolio to include the design and development of both materials and biological property testing models with the aim of reducing the use of animals within scientific research.

Anita works with various clinicians and industrial partners to ensure the rapid translation of research into the patient.

Current projects

Anita’s current projects include:

• The development of photocurable antimicrobial silk-based hydrogels for corneal repair.
• The design of in vitro cornea models which mimic both the mechanical and biological properties of the native tissue.
• Electrospinning combined with microtopography to mimic oesophageal tissue using biodegradable polymers.