Research

Knight Campus Research Programs

The Knight Campus is developing a hub where innovative research and discovery will thrive – driving business in Oregon. As we grow into our research facilities, we aim to have 30 teams of scientists and researchers, accompanied by 550 students who will be involved in the research cycle, gaining unique experience. This means the Knight Campus will be not only driving groundbreaking scientific research, but preparing a new generation of innovative scientists who will define our future. The collaborative scientific research done at the Knight Campus will break down barriers and accelerate the advancement of science to improve the human condition and benefit the world.

Research centers

The Center for Translational Biomedical Research

The Center for Translational Biomedical Research, a partnership between PeaceHealth and the University of Oregon’s Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, aims to forge biomedical research collaborations that produce increased research grant funding, journal publications and translation of new medical technologies.

The Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance at Oregon

The Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance at Oregon is based in the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact. The University of Oregon is one of six institutions launching the alliance that promotes wellness and peak performance through scientific discovery and innovation.

 

The Center for Biomedical Data Science

The Center for Biomedical Data Science (CBDS) is an innovative joint research center dedicated to using advanced data science tools and approaches to explore normal and abnormal biological states at cell, tissue, organ, organismal and population levels. Our hope is to prevent and cure diseases earlier, faster, and better. Supported by lead gifts from Tim and Mary Boyle of $10 million to each institution, the center is a joint effort of the University of Oregon (UO) and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) that integrates world class expertise at both UO’s Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact and OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute.

 

Knight Campus Research Focus Areas

Biomaterials: Functional Materials for Life

We work at the interface of materials chemistry and biomedical engineering.  We determine what is missing from the engineer’s toolbox and design new functional materials, 3-D structures, tools and devices that address key challenges in the clinic.

Medical Sensors and Devices

We push the envelope of implantable and wearable medical sensors and devices to change the ways we study and treat diseases and injuries, by tapping advances in materials and data science, as well as device architecture.

Protein Engineering and Synthetic Biology

We develop new bio-inspired methods to build biological parts (proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids) and systems with designed properties and predictable behaviors.  We repurpose biological cells as factories allowing simple large-scale low-cost manufacturing of complex macromolecules.

Neural Engineering

We develop novel implantable interfaces to the brain and peripheral nervous system to advance fundamental science and improve human lives through therapeutic neuromodulation.

Biomedical Artificial Intelligence

We develop models of complex biological systems using carefully curated datasets and the latest advances in machine learning. These AI systems are trained to make automated, repeatable, data-driven decisions, which ultimately leads to better patient outcomes.

Regenerative Rehabilitation and Human Performance

We develop and integrate engineered technologies to measure, model, regenerate and enhance the performance of tissue systems. The overall goal of this focus area is to improve human performance throughout all aspects of life, from young to old, healthy to injured and novice to elite.

latest research news

Cartilage Regeneration

Knight Campus researchers in the lab of Gabriella Lindberg are exploring an innovative approach to cartilage regeneration

The latest Knight Campus research

Scientific Illustration from Advanced Materials Interfaces journal

Knight Campus Faculty RESEARCH

bala ambati


Bala Ambati
Research Professor, Knight Campus

Visit the Ambati Lab

Headshot of KC BioEngineering Chair Danielle Benoit

Danielle Benoit
Lorry Lokey Chair of the Department of Bioengineering

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paul dalton

Paul Dalton 
Associate Professor, Knight Campus

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felix deku

Felix Deku 
Assistant Professor, Knight Campus

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tim gardner


Tim Gardner
Associate Professor, Knight Campus
DeArmond Chair in Neuro-Engineering

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Headshot of Knight Campus Executive Director Roberg Guldberg


Robert Guldberg
Vice President and Robert and Leona DeArmond Executive Director

Visit the Guldberg Lab​​​​

marian hettiaratchi


Marian Hettiaratchi
Assistant Professor, Knight Campus

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parisa hossenzadeh

Parisa Hosseinzadeh
Assistant Professor, Knight Campus

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jim hutchison

Jim Hutchison
Senior Associate Vice President and Lokey-Harrington Chair in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

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gabriella lindberg

Gabriella Lindberg 
Assistant Professor, Knight Campus

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Andrew Nelson

Andrew Nelson
Associate Vice President for Innovation
Associate Professor of Management

Learn more about Nelson's Research

keat ghee ong

Keat Ghee Ong
Professor, Knight Campus

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calin plesa

Calin Plesa 
Assistant Professor, Knight Campus

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nick willett

Nick Willett
Associate Professor, Knight Campus

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knight campus FACULTY associates' Research