PhD Candidate | Biomedical Engineering

Implant Research Core

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

Degrees

BS/MS Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University, June 2020
Graduated Magna Cum Laude

Publications

DeSantis P, Basgul C., Kurtz SM, & Marcolongo M. (2024) Surface Modification of Polyetheretherketone with Calcium Phosphate Using Ultraviolet Functionalization. In Review.

Yu T, DeSantis P, Kim S, Li CY, & Marcolongo M. (2024) Synthesis of Chondroitin Sulfate Conjugated Nanofiber Shish Kebabs as a Biomimetic Bone Template. In Review.

Basgul C, DeSantis P, Derr T, Hickok NJ, Bock RM, & Kurtz, SM. (2024). Exploring the mechanical strength, antimicrobial performance, and bioactivity of 3D-printed silicon nitride-PEEK composites in cervical spinal cages. International Journal of Bioprinting, 2124. doi.org/10.36922/ijb.2124

Rabinowitz R, DeSantis PM, Basgul C, Spece H, & Kurtz SM. (2023). Taguchi optimization of 3D printed short carbon fiber polyetherketoneketone (CFR PEKK). Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 145. doi.org/10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105981

Spece H, DeSantis PM, & Kurtz SM. (2022). Development of an architecture-property model for triply periodic minimal surface structures and validation using material extrusion additive manufacturing polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 133. doi.org/10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105345

Selected Conference Proceedings:

• Silicon Nitride PEKK Composite Promotes Osteogenic Activity Compared to PEEK in Porous 3D Printed Specimens. Poster Presentation. 2024 Implant Polymers: UHMWPE & PEEK Conference, Barcelona, Spain, June 20-21, 2024.  

• In Vitro Analysis of 3D Printed PAEKs for Use in Orthopedic Implants. Poster Presentation. 12th World Biomaterials Congress, Daegu, South Korea, May 26-31, 2024. 

• 3D-Printed Silicon Nitride-PEEK Composite Demonstrates Antimicrobial Effect in Vitro. Podium Presentation. International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty 34th International Congress, New York City, NY, September 27-30, 2023

• 3D-Printed Silicon Nitride-PEEK Composite Promotes In Vitro Osteogenic Activity and Mineralization. Podium Presentation. Combined UHMWPE, PEEK, & Polymer Implant Additive Manufacturing Conference, Torino, Italy, June 23-24, 2022.

• UV-Assisted Functionalizatoin of 3D-Printed PEEK for Use in Spinal Fusion Cages. Poster Presentation. World Biomaterials Congress 2020, Virtual, December 11-15, 2020.

Accolades

Honors with Distinction, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University
SuperNova Undegraduate Research Fellow, Drexel University
Alpha Eta Mu Beta, Biomedical Engineering Society
Calhoun Fellowship in Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University