Barbara D. Boyan, Ph.D., Executive Director, Institute for Engineering and Medicine, is a nationally acclaimed researcher and entrepreneur. Her laboratory is focused on research in all aspects of bone and cartilage biology, from basic science studies on steroid hormone signaling to the use of cells for regenerative medicine strategies, focusing on how cells interact with biomaterial surfaces. Her work in the bone and cartilage field began with studies to understand the underlying mechanisms of mineralized tissue formation. Her recent research developments include novel technologies for controlling nanotexture on metal and polymer surfaces in order to study cell responses for regenerative medicine applications as well as elucidating the mechanisms used by steroid hormones like vitamin D and estrogen and microRNAs in the regulation of bone and cartilage cells.