Clemson University Ph.D. student Hui Li received a fellowship from Hitachi High-Tech America Inc. to advance research that could improve treatments for intervertebral disc degeneration and chronic back pain.
Li received a $25,000 fellowship to continue his research and complete his doctoral degree in bioengineering. Hitachi High-Tech America established the fellowship in 2014 to support a graduate student using the Clemson University Electron Microscopy Facility to conduct research as part of their doctoral studies.
A bioengineering Ph.D. student, Li is analyzing the complex interfaces between soft tissue and bones to identify effective orthopedic therapies for damaged joints and inform the development of grafts to be used in joint reconstruction. Additionally, he is studying the link between smoking and intervertebral disc degeneration and the correlating impact on effective regenerative treatments. A third-year Ph.D. student, Li is studying under the direction of Yongren Wu, associate professor of bioengineering, and is collaborating with a spinal surgeon at the Medical University of South Carolina, as well as Clemson faculty experts in tissue regeneration, computational mechanics and nano composites biomanufacturing. The advanced equipment at the Clemson Electron Microscopy Facility allows Li to map and analyze mesoscale calcification in the intervertebral disc endplate caused by smoking.
“I’m honored to receive the Hitachi Fellowship and excited to continue researching how calcification in the intervertebral disc endplate begins and progresses across multiple scales and phases. I hope this work will ultimately contribute to better treatments for disc degeneration, chronic back pain and related conditions,” Li said.
Hitachi has been instrumental in both the development of the Clemson University Electron Microscopy Facility in the mid-1990s, as well as its steady growth over the past three decades. The facility added several new Hitachi electron microscopes in recent years that are among the global company’s most advanced machines. Additionally, Hitachi has a staff member on site to ensure the advanced equipment is operating in top condition.
“Our long-standing collaboration with Hitachi has allowed Clemson to build one of the most advanced academic electron microscopy facilities in the country,” said Tanju Karanfil, Clemson senior vice president for research, scholarship and creative endeavors. “This facility provides a unique platform for faculty, students and local industry to advance innovation in healthcare, manufacturing, energy, national security and numerous other sectors right here in South Carolina and throughout the Southeast.”
