The following researchers will be joining the UNMC College of Dentistry Department of Growth and Development on January 1, 2025.
Dr. Sangamesh Gurappa Kumbar, Professor with Tenure
Sangamesh Gurappa Kumbar, PhD, is a tenured professor in the Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Materials Science and Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Connecticut. His research focuses on synthesizing and characterizing novel biomaterials for tissue engineering and drug delivery. Specifically, his laboratory specializes in fabricating and studying micro- and nanostructures using semi-synthetic polymers designed to enhance tissue regeneration and control drug delivery.
An active member of several professional societies, Dr. Kumbar has co-edited three textbooks and serves as an associate editor for Bioactive Materials. He is dedicated to teaching and mentoring students at all levels, from high school to postdoctoral fellows.
With extensive research support from the DoD, NIH, and NSF, Dr. Kumbar has led the development of innovative materials to explore cell-material interactions and advance tissue regeneration. His ongoing projects focus on the regeneration of bone, nerve, muscle, skin and composite tissue injuries, using chemical and physical stimulation methods with strong translational potential. This team science initiative aims to develop technologies for reconstructing and regenerating composite tissue injuries.
Dr. Kumbar’s work in biomaterial-mediated tissue repair and regeneration has been published in over 180 peer-reviewed articles.
Dr. Sama Abdulmalik, Assistant Professor
Sama Abdulmalik, PhD, is a biomedical engineer at the University of Connecticut. During her graduate studies, she focused on tendon tissue repair and regeneration, exploring the use of small-molecule drugs as alternatives to growth factors, combined with stem cells, to enhance healing and minimize scarring.
In her postdoctoral work in Dr. Kumbar’s laboratory, Dr. Abdulmalik developed strategies to improve wound healing and reduce scarring through the use of small-molecule drugs and electrical stimulation. Her translational research centers on designing biodegradable matrices to deliver chemical agents and electrical stimulation for regenerative medicine. Her team science project aims to develop technologies for reconstructing and regenerating composite tissue injuries.
Dr. Abdulmalik is deeply committed to teaching and mentoring students at all levels, from high school to postdoctoral fellows.
Dr. H. M. Suranji Wijekoon, Instructor
H. M. Suranji Wijekoon, BVSc, MPhil, PhD, obtained her veterinary degree in Sri Lanka and completed her PhD at Hokkaido University in Japan, where she evaluated experimental drugs for osteoarthritis. She previously served as a senior lecturer and surgeon specializing in orthopedic and general surgeries at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science in Sri Lanka.
Currently, in Dr. Kumbar’s laboratory, her research focuses on large-gap nerve regeneration and composite tissue injuries, utilizing innovative small-molecule drugs and related technologies. Her team science project aims to develop technologies to reconstruct and regenerate composite tissue injuries.
Dr. Wijekoon is also dedicated to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in various areas of translational research.