The Human Injury Research and Regenerative Technologies (H.I.R.R.T.) Laboratory at the University of Cincinnati has a broad mission. We explore the development of technologies that advance injury prevention and, when that does not work, novel treatment methods. We are especially interested in traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), musculoskeletal damage, atherosclerosis, cancer metastasis and a wide range of assistive technologies. Our methods are collaborative and focus on improving our understanding of the damage mechanisms, and simultaneously developing treatment and delivery methods that target those mechanisms. Towards these ends, Dr. Nauman (EAN_CV) and his students often couple medical imaging with mixture theory, cell biology, mechanics of materials, and nanotechnology. 

Some of our specific interests include:

• Human injury, especially sports injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, gunshot wounds and bruising
• Bioreactors, biofluids and fluid flow in porous media
• Computational methods applied to continuum mixture theory
• Mechanics of hierarchical materials
• Spine Mechanics and orthopaedic implant development
• Adult stem cell-based therapies for bone defects, osteoporosis, ligament and cartilage damage, adipose tissue augmentation, spinal cord injuries, glaucomatous degeneration, and head injuries
• Tumor identification and treatment, especially via nanoparticles
• Tissue-engineered models of osteoporosis and glaucoma
• Medical informatics
• Biophysics and cell metabolism
• Bio-Inspired Alternative Energy Solutions

Here you will find an overview of our research mission, some of the courses taught by members of the laboratory, and other endeavors that have resulted from our efforts.