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Owen McCarty
Professor and Chair at Oregon Health and Science University
Owen McCarty is an American biomedical engineer and the Douglas Strain Professor and Chair of the Biomedical Engineering Department at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). He is also a fellow of the American Heart Association. His research focuses on the dynamics of the vascular system, particularly in the contexts of cancer metastasis, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation. McCarty's work has contributed to advancing two drug candidates to clinical trials and has provided insights into the anti-cancer effects of aspirin.123
Education and Career
- B.S. in Chemical Engineering: State University of New York at Buffalo.
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering: Johns Hopkins University, where he studied tumor cell receptors for platelets and leukocytes.
- Postdoctoral Research: Conducted at the University of Oxford and University of Birmingham under Dr. Steve Watson, focusing on platelet cell biology.
- Joined OHSU in 2005, becoming Chair of the Biomedical Engineering Department in 2019. He also holds appointments in Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology and Hematology & Medical Oncology within OHSU's School of Medicine.123
Research Focus
McCarty's research investigates fluid mechanics and cellular biology in vascular systems to develop molecular-targeted therapies. His work includes studying thrombus formation mechanisms, coagulation pathways, and their implications for diseases such as thrombosis, stroke, and myocardial infarction. His team has explored the role of coagulation factor XI (FXI) in thrombus formation and its inhibition as a therapeutic strategy.35
Achievements and Honors
- Fellow of the American Heart Association (2014).
- Recipient of numerous awards, including the American Heart Association Karl Link New Investigator Award (2009) and Established Investigator Award (2013).
- Named to the Douglas Strain Endowed Professorship at OHSU in 2021.13
Leadership and Vision
As Chair at OHSU's Biomedical Engineering Department, McCarty has fostered collaborations with medical schools, research centers, and external institutions. He emphasizes innovation in AI, biomaterials, and nanoparticles to address unmet medical needs.4
