PhD Candidate | Biomedical Engineering

Implant Research Core


Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

Academic Profiles – Paul DeSantis

My Interests include…

biomaterials, additive manufacturing, biocompatibility, orthopedic implants, electron microscopy, and materials characterization.

Degrees

2026
PhD Biomedical Engineering
Drexel University
Thesis Advisor: Steven M. Kurtz, PhD
Anticipated Graduation Winter 2026
2020
BS/MS Biomedical Engineering
Drexel University
Thesis Advisor: Michele Marcolongo, PhD, PE
Magna Cum Laude

Publications

Journal articles View Google Scholar ↗
2026
DeSantis PM, Barnes E, Tetteh A, Smith JA, Mike D, Perine C, Kurtz SM
Additively Manufactured Partially Porous PAEK Topologies for Proximal Tibia Revision Cones and Sleeves
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
2025
Derr T, Basgul C, DeSantis P, Bock RM, Kurtz SM
Taguchi Optimization of Additively Manufactured PEKK and Silicon Nitride Loaded PEKK for Medical Device Applications
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials
Kurtz MA, Rince N, DeSantis PM, Vuong ML, Chapagain P, Spece H, Castany P, Gloriant T, Kurtz SM
Additively Manufactured Metastable-β Ti-Nb-Zr-Sn Exhibits Superior Corrosion, Semiconducting, and Cell Metabolic Properties Over Ti-6Al-4V
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A
Sharma A, Smith JA, Kurtz MA, Derr T, DeSantis PM, Bock RM, Kurtz SM
Hybrid-manufactured silicon nitride coated CFR-PEEK: A candidate biomaterial for trauma plate applications?
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
DeSantis PM, Barnes E, Derr T, Spece H, Kurtz SM
Porous Additively Manufactured PEKK Improves In Vitro Osteoblastic Performance Compared to PEEK
Journal of Orthopaedic Research
DeSantis PM, Basgul C, Spece H, Kurtz SM, Marcolongo M
Surface Modification of Polyetheretherketone with Calcium Phosphate Using Ultraviolet Functionalization
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B
Yu T, DeSantis P, Kim S, Li CY, Marcolongo M
Synthesis of Chondroitin Sulfate Conjugated Nanofiber Shish Kebabs as a Biomimetic Bone Template
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A
2024
Basgul C, DeSantis P, Derr T, Hickok NJ, Bock RM, Kurtz SM
Exploring the mechanical strength, antimicrobial performance, and bioactivity of 3D-printed silicon nitride-PEEK composites in cervical spinal cages
International Journal of Bioprinting
2023
Rabinowitz R, DeSantis PM, Basgul C, Spece H, Kurtz SM
Taguchi optimization of 3D printed short carbon fiber polyetherketoneketone (CFR PEKK)
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
2022
Spece H, DeSantis PM, Kurtz SM
Development of an architecture-property model for triply periodic minimal surface structures and validation using material extrusion additive manufacturing polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
Selected conference proceedings
Silicon Nitride PEKK Composite Promotes Osteogenic Activity Compared to PEEK in Porous 3D Printed Specimens
Implant Polymers: UHMWPE & PEEK Conference — Barcelona, Spain, June 20–21, 2024
In Vitro Analysis of 3D Printed PAEKs for Use in Orthopedic Implants
12th World Biomaterials Congress — Daegu, South Korea, May 26–31, 2024
3D-Printed Silicon Nitride-PEEK Composite Demonstrates Antimicrobial Effect In Vitro
International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty 34th International Congress — New York City, NY, September 27–30, 2023
3D-Printed Silicon Nitride-PEEK Composite Promotes In Vitro Osteogenic Activity and Mineralization
Combined UHMWPE, PEEK, & Polymer Implant Additive Manufacturing Conference — Turin, Italy, June 23–24, 2022
UV-Assisted Functionalization of 3D-Printed PEEK for Use in Spinal Fusion Cages
World Biomaterials Congress 2020 — Virtual, December 11–15, 2020

Accolades

2024
PA Department of Community & Economic Development
2020
Calhoun Fellowship in Biomedical Engineering
Drexel University
2020
Honors with Distinction
Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University
2020
SuperNova Undergraduate Research Fellow
Drexel University
2017
Alpha Eta Mu Beta
National Biomedical Engineering Society
2017
Phi Sigma Pi
National Honor Fraternity

Get in Touch

Resumes, transcripts, and full-text versions of articles available upon request.