NSF Engines: Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine

About the PTRME

Our Ecosystem and Mission 

At the heart of the Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine lies the mission to translate use-inspired research to manufacturable technologies. Developing accessible, effective, and scalable technologies are fundamental to achieving this goal, as they enhance consistency, reduce variability, and improve the quality of regenerative medicine products. 

Ecosystem Advancements 

Standardization: By reducing reliance on custom-made or variable components, these technologies enable uniformity across applications, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Scalability: Innovations like modular bioreactors and universal media support the industrial-scale manufacturing of tissues and cells, ensuring technologies can reach more people. 

Sustainability: Animal-free and chemically defined solutions reduce ethical concerns and environmental impacts, aligning with global sustainability goals. 

Mission Alignment 

These advancements are pivotal in fulfilling our mission to lead the field of regenerative medicine by developing technologies that not only push the boundaries of science but also create pathways for widespread adoption. By addressing critical bottlenecks in tissue engineering, we are building an ecosystem where breakthrough research translates into commercialization.  

The PTRME Leadership Team

 Tim Bertram, Phd

Tim Bertram, Phd

Chief Executive Officer

Jesse Thornburg, PhD

Jesse Thornburg, PhD

Chief Operations Officer

Karen Barnes

Karen Barnes

Ecosystem Development Officer

Anthony Atala, MD

Anthony Atala, MD

Chief Innovation Officer

Del L. Ruff

Del L. Ruff

North Carolina A&T State University

Stefanie Walling, MBA

Stefanie Walling, MBA

Chief Communications Officer

Russ H. Read, MA

Russ H. Read, MA

National Center for the Biotechnology Workforce

Jessica Jones

Jessica Jones

External Evaluator

Jill Keith, PhD

Jill Keith, PhD

Winston-Salem State University

 Graça Almeida-Porada, MD, PhD

Graça Almeida-Porada, MD, PhD

Lead Research and Development

Salil Desai, PhD

Salil Desai, PhD

North Carolina A&T State University

Steven R. Bauer, PhD

Steven R. Bauer, PhD

Translational Lead

Bert Clayton, BS

Bert Clayton, BS

Translation Co-Lead

Jana Stoudemire

Jana Stoudemire

In-Space Lead

Joan F. Schanck, MPA

Joan F. Schanck, MPA

Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Isaac Perry, MBA

Isaac Perry, MBA

Innovation Quarter & Greater Winston-Salem, Inc

Brenda Lathem-Sadler, MD

Brenda Lathem-Sadler, MD

Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Tim Wright, MD

Tim Wright, MD

Julie Watson, JD

Julie Watson, JD