Natural polymer based gene activated matrices for bone regeneration

D'mello, Sheetal Reginald. "Natural polymer based gene activated matrices for bone regeneration." PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) thesis, ii To my family iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS When I came to the University of Iowa, I was quite apprehensive about the academic and cultural environment in a big school. And then gradually, I discovered the stimulating, supportive and friendly ambience that gave me the boost to enhance my scientific knowledge and skills in a high-quality way. I am very grateful to all people who, in a direct or indirect way, have helped me during the graduate program. I am very grateful to my major advisor Dr. Aliasger Salem and my co-advisor Dr. Satheesh Elangovan for their constant guidance, cooperation and advice that were a vital part for the completion of my research. Their thoughtful feedback, data interpretation and implementation of new ideas and techniques were helpful in overcoming the problems encountered along the research path. Their constant efforts, patience and understanding have been very crucial while carrying out my research activities. They have been of immense help and an invaluable source of inspiration, experience and knowledge. I am very delighted to be a part of the tissue engineering projects. Their generous support and positive outlook has made this thesis possible. for their time and effort while serving on my research and thesis committee. very encouraging, supportive, and cheerful. Sharing of new ideas, knowledge and iv experience has been very significant here. It has been a pleasure working with them. The Division of Pharmaceutics and Translational Therapeutics has been a fun place to learn and grow. I have always enjoyed the company of my friends and shall always remember the good times that we all have spent together. The faculty and staff at the College of Pharmacy have been really cooperative and kind all the way along, and I thank them for everything. It has been a massive learning experience. I am also very grateful for the financial support from the division that has helped me pursue my degree smoothly. Design, College of Dentistry for her help with statistical analysis of the data. Lastly and most notably, I am highly indebted to my family for their unconditional love and support all throughout my study. My husband Denison deserves a special mention here for his patience. The long hours required in research and writing were always easy with his advice and cooperation. My parents and sisters …