Alan J. Russell, Ph.D., is director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine and professor of surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine . In addition, he is professor of chemical engineering at the University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering and executive director of the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative (PTEI).
Dr. Russell received his doctorate in biological chemistry from Imperial College, the University of London, in 1987. After spending two years as a North Atlantic Treaty Organization research fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr. Russell joined the University of Pittsburgh as assistant professor of chemical engineering. In 1995, he became Nikolas DeCecco Professor and Chairman of the university's chemical and petroleum engineering department. In 1999, Dr. Russell co-founded a now successful biotechnology company, Agentase LLC. He became a founding director of the McGowan Institute last year, and also was elected a founding governor of the Tissue Engineering Society International.
Dr. Russell's research has focused on the symbiotic interface between enzymes and materials, specifically biotechnological chemical weapon defense; the study of proteins in extreme environments; biocatalytic polymer synthesis and the development of rational approaches to biomaterial syntheses for tissue engineering. His work includes the decontamination of chemical weapons using enzymes. Collaborating with U.S. Army scientists, these approaches are expanding the possible defenses against chemical weapons.
Dr. Russell has received numerous awards for his contributions to research, teaching and public service. Specific recognition includes: Research & Development 100; Carnegie Award for Excellence in Science and Technology; American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, Fellow; Editorial Board, Journal Molecular Catalysis (Enzymatic), Encyclopedia of Catalysis and Biocatalysis & Biotransformations; American Cyanamid Research Award; Presidential Young Investigator, National Science Foundation; Chancellor's Distinguished Research Award; and Who's Who in America.
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