Professor Dr. Sarah Gullbrand

Biography

Dr. Sarah Gullbrand leads the Gullbrand Laboratory at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, where she focuses on developing tissue engineering approaches for intervertebral disc regeneration. Her research investigates the relationship between structural and functional characteristics of spinal tissues and how these relationships contribute to degenerative disc disease. The lab employs biomechanical and bioimaging techniques to explore connections between tissue structure and degeneration in intervertebral discs, vertebral bones, cartilage endplates, and facet joints. Dr. Gullbrand collaborates closely with prominent researchers in the field to translate engineered tissue solutions into clinical applications. The Gullbrand Lab is also involved in innovative projects such as developing multi-factor mechanoactive patches for accelerating annulus fibrosus repair and studying tissue-engineered constructs for treating disc herniations. Dr. Gullbrand has received multiple grants, including an R01 award from the National Institutes of Health, to support her pioneering research initiatives.

Research Interests