Faculty Profile

Degrees

PHD, University of Pennsylvania; MSE, University of Pennsylvania; BSE, University of Pennsylvania

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Bio

Research
Dr. Rabbany is currently doing research in the field of cellular and tissue engineering as applied to the vascular system. One of the major obstacles in engineering vascularized tissue is induction of endothelial vessel networks. To this end, his research applies engineering principles to the advancements being made in the differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells toward engineering vascularized tissue. The focus of the research is to expand pure populations of stem cells in vitro, and influence their cell fate decisions to direct differentiation into vascular cells including functional transplantable endothelial (EC) and smooth muscle (SM) cells. Understanding the mechanistic basis of ES cell differentiation into functional ECs is critical to various aspects of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In addition, tissue explants generated by these vascular cells can be introduced in vivo to restore function by augmenting vessel growth, in the ischemic myocardium or limbs of patients after heart attacks or diabetic vascular diseases. The projects range from elucidating the role of physical forces such as cyclic stretch, simulated microgravity, and shear stress on vascular cells and engineering of vascularized constructs. In the past, he has done research in the areas of cardiovascular Mechanics and Biosensors, and cell & receptor biomechanics.


ACADEMIC/PROFESSIONAL HONORS
Jean Nerken Distinguished Professor of Engineering, Hofstra University (2017-Present)Dean – Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, Hofstra University (2016)Faculty Distinguished Lecture, Hofstra University (2014)Seminar in Investigative Medicine, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research (2013)Fellow- American Institute for Medical & Biological Engineering (AIMBE) (2012)
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EXTERNAL FUNDING
Investigator - Reprogramming of Endothelial to Autologous Hematopoietic Cells for Gene Therapy of Hemoglobinopathies. Tri-Institutional Stem Cell Initiative
(2015 –Present) Investigator - Identification of Vascular-Derived Signals for Alveolar Lung Repair (NIH R01 HL119872), National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute
(2015 – 2018) Investigator - Center on the Microenvironment and Metastasis, National Cancer Institute
(2009 – 2015) Investigator - Stage Specific Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells into Functioning Hemagiogenic Tissues, Qatar National Research Fund
(2009 – 2012) Investigator - Cell Interactions in Vascular Injury and Atherogenesis
National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute
(2007 – 2014)

Areas of Specialization:
Application of both experimental and theoretical methods to study complex biological processes; biosensors; cardiovascular dynamics; and cellular biomechanics.

Industrial Experience:
Design and development of a parallel-plate flow chamber, Cornell Medical College (2001) Micro-fabricated an immunosensor for the detection of aflatoxin, JHU/APL (1996) Development and Testing of a displacement Flow Immunoassay, NRL (1990-1996)

Publications:
Refereed Journals/Book Chapters:
Barry, D.M., McMillan, E.A., Kunar B., Lis, R., Zhang, T., Lu, T., Daniel, E., Yokoyama, M., Gomez-Salinero, J.M., Sureshbabu, A., Cleaver, O., Di Lorenzo, A., Choi, M.E., Xiang, J., Redmond, D., Rabbany, S.Y., Muthukumar, T., Rafii, S. (2019) Molecular determinants of nephron vascular specialization in the kidney. Nature Communications. 10(1):5705 PMID: 31836710.
Golshan, A., Curtis, J.A., Lianos, V., Rabbany, S.Y., de Guzman, R.C. (2019). Compressive strengths of PEG gels with glycerol and bioglass particles. J Materials Res. 34(8):1341-1352.
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Professional & Technical Memberships:
Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) 1985-Present Biophysical Society 1998-Present Cardiovascular System Dynamic Society (CSDS) 1984-Present Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) 1994-Present The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1985-Present

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Teaching Interests

bioengineering, biomechanics, cell and tissue engineering, stem cell biology

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Recent Courses Taught

Course	Title	Level
CSC 193	DEPT HONORS CANDIDACY: THESIS	Undergraduate