• Research Associate Professor of Urology
• Research Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering

PhD (2002), University of Illinois at Chicago

The Sharma research group focuses on tissue engineering and biomaterials in urologic, gastrointestinal, and vascular regeneration models. We study the regenerative applications of combining novel elastomeric scaffolds with specific stem and progenitor cell populations. These populations are investigated in conjunction with scaffold modifications to design tissue grafts with enhanced functionality. Projects include implementation of small molecules and nanomolecules to customize microenvironments, use of small molecules to influence cell fate, and the synthesis of novel anti-inflammatory peptide amphiphiles to aid in the regenerative process and combat specific disease types. One example of the patient-specific applications of the group’s research scope is the elucidation of treatment options utilizing pediatric spina bifida patients’ bone marrow-derived stem/progenitor cells for tissue regeneration.

Sharma is Director of Pediatric Urological Regenerative Medicine at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Director of Surgical Research at Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute.