Said Cifuentes Maury received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2009 from Universidad del Atlántico, Colombia. At the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, he earned his master’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2016 and his PhD in bioengineering in 2023. During his bachelor’s degree, he designed and constructed an electromechanical manipulator with six degrees of freedom. For his PhD, he worked on a National Science Foundation-sponsored project focused on low-cost culture substrates for the expansion and potency of mesenchymal stem cells to increase affordability of this therapy for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. In a short span of time, he has published a first-author journal article, was selected for oral presentations at the Biomedical Engineering Society and Cell Culture Engineering XVII conferences, and began a new research collaboration with TEGA Therapeutics. His future research will concentrate on the investigation of advanced manufacturing techniques, such as 3D bioprinting, to fabricate complex biomaterial structures with controlled mechanical and biological properties. His goal is to convert his work with tissue engineering and translational medicine into practical solutions for underserved populations. Once securing a faculty position, he will actively mentor URMs in their research endeavors and engage with local schools and community organizations to promote STEM education among underrepresented groups.

Research Interests

Biomaterials & Cell Manufacturing