Photo / Courtesy, University of New England
Scott Wood
June 11, 2024
UNE names biomedical engineer to head Portland biotech lab
The University of New England has hired biomedical engineer Scott Wood as director of its recently established Portland Laboratory for Biotechnology and Health Sciences.
As lab director, he will oversee a facility and a four-member faculty whose research examines the root causes of human disease and novel methods for treatment. He will also serve as an associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences of the UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine, with an appointment in the School of Computer Science and Data Analytics and as an Entrepreneur in Residence. He will start on Aug. 5.
“This role represents a unique opportunity to engage in a vibrant and expanding research environment where I can leverage my experience to drive innovative solutions and build strategic partnerships," Wood told Mainebiz.
"I am deeply committed to advancing Maine’s bioeconomy and eagerly anticipate collaborating with UNE faculty and partner institutions to catalyze for regional growth in biotechnology.”
Work experience
Wood has more than 15 years of experience in academic, health care and corporate environments. He most recently served as an associate professor of nanoscience and biomedical engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
As an entrepreneur, Wood is the founder and chief technology officer of CellField Technologies LLC, a startup that provides innovative drug screening services for pharmaceutical scientists developing treatments for joint diseases. He has authored over a dozen peer-reviewed articles on nanocomposites and cellular mechanobiology.
“Scott’s broad experience as an engineer and strong passion for advancing medical research, therapies and devices — coupled with his proven track record in grant acquisition and academic presentations — will significantly benefit UNE as it evolves to become one of Maine’s and the region’s leading institutions for biosciences and biotechnology research and education,” said Gwendolyn Mahon, UNE provost and senior vice president of academic affairs.
“We are confident that his leadership and expertise will propel our biotechnology and health sciences programs to unprecedented heights.”
Wood holds a Ph.D. and master’s degree in bioengineering from Clemson University and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Texas Tech University.
UNE is home to Maine's only medical and dental colleges, in addition to offering other health care degree programs. The university plans to relocate its College of Osteopathic Medicine from the UNE Biddeford campus to the one in Portland, where a health sciences center is being built. The center is expected to open in 2025.
More than 4,000 UNE students attend classes at the campuses in Biddeford, Portland and Tangier, Morocco, and online. UNE was ranked No.6 among the largest Maine-based colleges and universities in the 2024 Mainebiz Book of Lists, ranked by full-time undergraduate enrollment in fall 2023.
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