Step inside the TED Fellows community

2020

United States

University of Delaware; University of Michigan; Georgia Institute of Technology; Yale University

The PRIME Lab at the University of Michigan, led by Dr. Aaron Morris, focuses on the intersection of biomaterials engineering, immunology, and drug delivery. Their work includes studying immunological niches, diagnosing diseases, and developing therapeutics using engineered materials. The lab has received grants and awards for their research and collaborates with other groups. They have a diverse team of researchers working on projects related to autoimmunity and tissue immunology. The lab values inclusivity and aims to create a supportive environment for growth and contribution to the knowledge enterprise. Their research projects involve developing material platforms for monitoring the innate and adaptive immune systems. The lab welcomes collaborations and visitors interested in their work. // My thesis work centers around development of new biomaterials specifically for applications in regenerative medicine and drug delivery. Recent Publications: Morris AH, Mahal R, Udell J, Wu M, Kyriakides TR. Multi-compartment Drug Release System for Dynamic Modulation of Tissue Responses. Advanced Healthcare Materials 2017.Morris AH, Stamer DK, Kyriakides TR. The Host Response to Naturally-Derived Extracellular Matrix Biomaterials. Seminars in Immunology 2017. Morris AH, Chang J, Kyriakides TR. Inadequate Processing of Decellularized Dermal MatrixReduces Cell Viability In Vitro and Increases Apoptosis and Acute Inflammation In Vivo. BioResearch Open Access 2016.Morris AH, Kyriakides TR. Matricellular proteins and biomaterials. Matrix Biol 2014.Schwan J, Kwaczala AT, Ryan TJ, Bartulos O, Ren Y, Sewanan LR, Morris AH, et al. Scientific Reports 2016.Jha R, Wile B, Wu Q, Morris AH, Maher KO, Wagner MB, et al. Molecular beacon-based detection and isolation of working-type cardiomyocytes derived from human pluripotent stem cells. Biomaterials 2015;50:176–85.Johnson, CG, Sharma, KV, Levy, EB, Woods, DL, Morris, AH, et al. Microvascular Perfusion Changes following Transarterial Hepatic Tumor Embolization. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology 2015; 1–12. // Advisor: Dr. Lonnie Shea // Advisor: Dr. Lonnie Shea // University of Delaware; University of Michigan; Georgia Institute of Technology; Yale University // Aaron Morris is a skilled researcher specializing in the development of biomaterials for regenerative medicine and drug delivery applications. His expertise lies in designing multi-compartment drug release systems and studying the host response to extracellular matrix biomaterials. With a focus on matricellular proteins and biomaterial interactions, Aaron has contributed to various publications in reputable journals. Under the guidance of Dr. Lonnie Shea, he has explored innovative approaches in tissue engineering and cell therapy. Aaron's work showcases a deep understanding of biomaterial science and its implications for advancing medical treatments. // My work focuses on using engineered materials and synthetic biology as platforms to: study immunology, diagnose disease, and develop therapeutics. My long-term vision is to develop non-invasive systems for monitoring immunity within tissues with a particular focus on autoimmune disease. As an academic scientist, I strive to contribute new knowledge and technologies, but also maintain a strong focus on education and mentoring of the next generation of scientist and engineers. // Dr. Aaron Morris is a dedicated researcher at the University of Michigan, leading the PRIME Lab in pioneering work at the intersection of biomaterials engineering, immunology, and drug delivery. His expertise lies in developing innovative material platforms for monitoring immune responses within tissues, with a specific focus on autoimmune diseases. Dr. Morris and his diverse team of researchers collaborate on projects related to autoimmunity, tissue immunology, and multi-compartment drug release systems. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity and mentorship, Dr. Morris is committed to advancing medical treatments through his deep understanding of biomaterial science and matricellular proteins. // Immunoengineer // We need an inside-out approach to how we diagnose disease, says immuno-engineer and TED Fellow Aaron Morris. Introducing cutting-edge medical research, he unveils implantable technology that gives real-time, continuous analysis of a patient's health at the molecular level. "We're creating a diagnostic lab inside your body," Morris says -- and it may pave the way to diagnosing and treating disease better and faster than ever before. // Dr. Aaron Morris is a dedicated researcher at the University of Michigan, leading the PRIME Lab in pioneering work at the intersection of biomaterials engineering, immunology, and drug delivery. His expertise lies in developing innovative material platforms for monitoring immune responses within tissues, with a specific focus on autoimmune diseases. Dr. Morris and his diverse team of researchers collaborate on projects related to autoimmunity, tissue immunology, and multi-compartment drug release systems. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity and mentorship, Dr. Morris is committed to advancing medical treatments through his deep understanding of biomaterial science and matricellular proteins. // Immunoengineer // research, regenerative, technology, synthetic biology, data analysis, immunoengineering, education, open access, led, biomaterials, monitoring, data, bioengineering, autoimmunity, disease, stem, regenerative medicine // Michigan|Ann Arbor|United States|USA

2017

2012

2020, 2018

United Kingdom

Nigeria

Motorcycle financing entrepreneur // Adetayo is a motorcycle financing entrepreneur and Cofounder of MAX, a mobility platform which provides Africans access to clean vehicles and is improving on the current gig economy model. // A lack of infrastructure in parts of Africa has made unregulated, gas-powered motorcycle taxis widespread -- a system that gets people where they need to be, but heavily pollutes the air and excludes drivers from the formal economy. TED Fellow and entrepreneur Adetayo Bamiduro offers his vision for a cleaner, more equitable future, where an electric motorcycle service helps green Africa's transportation and transform the lives and livelihoods of drivers. // Adetayo is a motorcycle financing entrepreneur and Cofounder of MAX, a mobility platform which provides Africans access to clean vehicles and is improving on the current gig economy model. // Motorcycle financing entrepreneur // infrastructure, ecommerce, entrepreneurship, equity, finance, electric, mobility, motorcycle, fundraising, livelihoods, electric vehicle, electric motorcycle, venture scaling, venture building, vehicles, cars, electric vehicles, clean cars, transportation // Lagos|Nigeria

2010, 2019

Israel

Angola

Indigenous conservation champion // Conservation champion and TED Fellow Adjany Costa is on a mission to empower Indigenous communities. Instead of imposing pre-designed policy and plans on local people, she says, conservation efforts should center those who know the land best, enabling them to tailor solutions to their unique environmental, social and economic realities. She presents a roadmap for Indigenous communities to take back ownership of their heritage and reclaim stewardship of their land. "Real community-based conservation ... fosters fierce independence," Costa says. // Indigenous conservation champion // community-based conservation, stewardship and restoration, environmental conservation, indigenous, policy, conservation, restoration, land // Luanda|Angola|Luanda Province

2017

Uganda

2010, 2009

United States

Advisor + strategist // Advisor + strategist // human rights, rights, policy, ngos/non-profits, foreign policy // United States|New York

2011, 2009

United States

2014

United Kingdom

Marine ecologist + tourism entrepreneur // A British marine ecologist and founder of Blue Ventures, a social enterprise working with coastal communities to protect marine biodiversity using sustainable, locally-led methods. // We need a radically new approach to ocean conservation, says marine biologist and TED Fellow Alasdair Harris. In a visionary talk, he lays out a surprising solution to the problem of overfishing that could both revive marine life and rebuild local fisheries -- all by taking less from the ocean. "When we design it right, marine conservation reaps dividends that go far beyond protecting nature," he says. // A British marine ecologist and founder of Blue Ventures, a social enterprise working with coastal communities to protect marine biodiversity using sustainable, locally-led methods. // Marine ecologist + tourism entrepreneur // nature, ocean conservation, design, marine conservation, biodiversity, coastal communities, coastal, ecology, conservation, marine life, fishing, oceans // United Kingdom|England|London

United States

2012, 2011

Kenya

2009, 2010

United States

2012

United Kingdom