Introduction and Background

Can you provide a brief overview of your academic background and career journey?

I hold a B.Sc. in Biotechnology Engineering from Ben-Gurion University, and both my M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Tel Aviv University. Throughout my academic journey, I have been driven by a strong interest in the intersection of biology, chemistry, and materials science—what is now often referred to as bio-convergence—with a particular focus on developing innovative solutions for medical applications.

In addition to my academic work, I spent seven years as R&D manager at Cartiheal, a medical device company recently acquired by Smith&Nephew. This experience provided me with valuable insights into the translation of scientific research into clinical products and the challenges of product development and commercialization.
Currently, I am a senior lecturer at Afeka Academic College of Engineering and a research associate at Tel Aviv University. My research focuses on the development of composite hydrogels for tissue engineering, including nanotechnology, control drug release and bioprinting for various biomedical applications, aiming to bridge fundamental science with real-world clinical challenges.

In parallel, I serve as an advisor to the Israeli Ministry of Health and a member of the national committee for the approval of clinical trials involving medical devices (AMAR). This role allows me to contribute to shaping regulatory frameworks and ensuring the safety and efficacy of innovative medical technologies.

Current Research and Projects:

What inspired you to conduct this research? (paper in this issue)

Can you discuss your other current research projects?

How do you see your work contributing to advancements in your field?

The research featured in this issue stems from my longstanding interest in how nature builds complex, functional structures from simple molecular components. I’m particularly fascinated by self-assembly processes and how we can harness them to create new biomaterials with tailored properties. I aim to mimic biological systems to design materials that could offer both structural and therapeutic benefits—potentially advancing the way we approach tissue repair and regeneration.

I am currently working on several exciting topics. One focus is on developing injectable hydrogels for bone regeneration—biomaterials that can conform to irregular defects and solidify in situ. I am also exploring hybrid hydrogels with tunable mechanical and biochemical properties, designed for use as scaffolds in 3D bioprinting. Another line of research looks at antimicrobial nanostructures for dental and orthopedic applications, aiming to reduce infections associated with implants. Across all these projects, I emphasize bio-convergence by integrating biology, chemistry, and materials science.

I believe that by mimicking the elegance and efficiency of natural systems, we can design smarter and more effective medical materials. My work contributes to the growing field of bioinspired and biomimetic materials—an area that holds great promise for regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and medical devices. In the long term, I hope that the technologies we’re developing will bridge the gap between basic research and real-world clinical solutions, improving patient outcomes and reshaping how we think about healing and tissue repair.

Collaborations:

Do you have any collaborations with researchers in other institutions or in other engineering schools in Afeka?

How do you approach interdisciplinary collaboration, and what benefits do you see in this approach?

Collaboration is central to my research efforts. My primary collaboration is with Tel-Aviv University, especially in the school of Dentistry and Nanotechnology, where we focus on developing advanced materials for dental and biomedical applications.

I also maintain strong connections with the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Ariel University. These collaborations enable us to integrate expertise from multiple fields to tackle complex challenges in materials science and bioengineering.

Moreover, we have established links with research institutions in the United States, Italy and Germany, including the renowned Max Planck Institute. These international partnerships allow us to exchange knowledge and explore cutting-edge research in biofabrication and nanomaterials on a global scale.

I believe that today’s complex challenges demand an interdisciplinary approach. I actively pursue collaborations that unite materials science, chemistry, engineering, and medicine, as they often spark ideas that wouldn’t emerge in isolation. Working with experts from different fields enriches the research process and leads to more holistic, impactful solutions—especially in the development of innovative biomedical technologies.

Innovation and Problem-Solving:

What is your problem-solving approach?

Can you share a specific instance where you encountered a challenging problem and the steps you took to find a solution?

My problem-solving approach is rooted in curiosity, persistence, and collaboration. I try to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts, and analyze them from multiple angles—scientific, practical, and even regulatory. I also place great value on input from others, especially when working in interdisciplinary teams, as different viewpoints often lead to more creative solutions.

Two identical implants were placed in the same patient—one absorbed blood immediately, while the other remained white and dry, despite meeting identical quality standards. This puzzling outcome led us to launch a structured, multi-phase investigation. We separated the research plan into four steps: the first focused on understanding the implications of the observed phenomenon, the second aimed at exploring the reasons behind it, the third involved developing a non-destructive QC test to predict implant behavior, and the fourth concentrated on finding a treatment to convert non-absorbing implants into blood-absorbing ones. The project spanned two years and required close collaboration across R&D, QA, and regulatory teams. It highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork in addressing complex, real-world challenges.

Emerging Technologies:

What emerging technologies or trends in your field do you find particularly exciting or promising?

How do you stay updated on the latest developments in your field?

I’m particularly excited about the growing field of bio-convergence, which brings together biology, engineering, materials science, and data science to solve complex medical challenges. Technologies such as 3D bioprinting, programmable biomaterials, and smart hydrogels that respond to environmental cues are opening entirely new possibilities in regenerative medicine and personalized healthcare. I'm also fascinated by the integration of AI and machine learning in biomaterials research—for example, in predicting material behavior or optimizing formulations for specific clinical needs.

To stay current, I regularly attend international conferences, participate in collaborative research networks, and review leading scientific journals. I also find that discussions with colleagues from diverse disciplines—both in academia and industry—are invaluable in gaining new insights and staying ahead of emerging trends. Serving on regulatory and scientific committees also helps me stay attuned to the translational and clinical perspectives of new technologies.

Career Advice:

For aspiring engineers and scientists, what advice do you have in terms of education, skill development, and navigating a successful career in engineering science?
Are there specific experiences or lessons from your career that you believe would benefit early-career professionals?

My advice to aspiring engineers and scientists is to stay curious, stay flexible, and never stop learning. The most exciting innovations often happen at the intersections of disciplines—so don’t be afraid to explore areas outside your immediate field. Building a strong foundation in scientific principles is important, but just as critical are skills like critical thinking, creativity, communication, and teamwork.

Look for opportunities to get hands-on experience, whether in the lab, industry, or through collaborative projects. These experiences help you understand not only the technical challenges but also how to work with people from different backgrounds and navigate real-world constraints.

One lesson from my own career is the value of being open to non-linear paths. I moved between academia and industry and back again, and each step taught me something different—from scientific rigor to product development to regulatory strategy. Another key insight is that collaboration and humility go a long way—some of the best solutions I’ve been part of came from listening carefully and learning from others.

Challenges in Engineering:

What do you see as some of the significant challenges currently facing the field of engineering, and how do you think they can be addressed?

One of the major challenges in engineering today is the growing complexity of real-world problems, which increasingly require integrated, interdisciplinary solutions. Engineers must navigate not only technical barriers but also ethical, regulatory, and societal considerations.

Another significant challenge is the need for translation from research to real-world impact. Many promising innovations in laboratories fail to reach the clinic, the market, or society due to gaps in scale-up, regulation, or integration with existing systems. To overcome this, we need stronger collaborations between academia, industry, and policymakers, as well as more training for engineers in areas like regulatory science, entrepreneurship, and human-centered design.

There’s also the ongoing need to make engineering more inclusive and diverse, ensuring that different perspectives are represented in designing solutions that serve broad communities.
Addressing these challenges requires a mindset shift—from siloed expertise to open, interdisciplinary, and impact-driven thinking. It also demands that we train the next generation of engineers not just as technical experts, but as creative problem solvers and ethical leaders.

Mentorship and Leadership:

Have you had mentors who significantly influenced your career? How important is mentorship in the field of engineering science?

How do you approach leadership in your role, and what qualities do you think are crucial for effective leadership in engineering?

My PhD advisor was my first and most formative mentor—retired, yet full of curiosity and creativity. He loved science, collaborated widely, and even worked hands-on in the lab. On the morning he passed away, he had planned to meet a colleague to write a grant. He truly lived and breathed science, and his dedication still inspires me. Another important mentor is a professor at Tel Aviv University, where I’m currently a research fellow. Though younger than me, she’s a role model—leading a large, successful lab, publishing extensively, securing major grants, and still balancing a rich family life with warmth and humanity. Both mentors taught me that great science is not just about ideas, but about people, passion, and purpose.

In engineering science, where challenges are complex and collaboration is key, mentorship plays a vital role—not just in sharing knowledge, but in building soft skills like resilience and communication. I’ve been mentoring women in engineering at Tel Aviv University and see a real need for guidance, especially today, when the abundance of choices can be overwhelming. I help students tune out the noise and focus on what truly excites and motivates them. I believe this clarity is essential for a meaningful and lasting career in science and engineering. I focus on empowerment—giving people space to explore ideas with support and clear goals. I value transparency, curiosity, and collaboration, and aim to create an environment where every voice is heard, and learning is ongoing. To me, effective leadership in engineering means balancing vision with attention to detail, knowing when to listen, when to act, and when to step back. It’s about building a culture where people feel inspired, challenged, and supported.

Future of Engineering Science:

Looking ahead, what do you envision as the future of engineering science, and how do you think it will impact society?

Are there specific areas or industries where you believe engineering science will play a particularly transformative role?

The future of engineering science lies in its integration with life sciences, data science, and advanced materials, creating powerful synergies that can address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. We are entering the age of bio-convergence—where biology, chemistry, and materials science merge to create next-generation solutions in healthcare, sustainability, and beyond.

I believe engineering will play a particularly transformative role in medicine and personalized healthcare. We are already seeing how materials designed at the nanoscale, smart biomaterials, and engineered tissue systems can enable more precise, minimally invasive, and patient-specific therapies. From injectable materials that replace metal implants, to self-healing hydrogels and smart biosensors—engineering is rapidly changing how we diagnose, treat, and even prevent disease.

As engineering becomes more interdisciplinary and more connected to human needs, I believe its greatest impact will come not just from what we create, but from how we create it—with ethical awareness, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a clear vision for a better future.