Dr. Hughes is a professor in the Departments of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry and Biomedical Engineering at UC Irvine. His recent appointments have included Department Chair, Director of the Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, and co-director of the Onco-Imaging and Biotechnology (OIB) Program, part of the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center at UCI. The work in his lab spans multiple scales – from understanding the basic molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels), to engineering of artificial tissues. Recently his lab has been pioneering “Body-on-Chip” technology, which allows for human micro-organs – heart, pancreas, tumor, etc. – to be grown in the lab with their own blood vessel network.
Professor Hughes has published over 90 peer-reviewed research manuscripts, and in recognition of his outstanding research and publication record he was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in 2014. In addition to his research, Professor Hughes works extensively with the non-profit organization, cureHHT, which provides patient support and research advocacy on behalf of those suffering from the rare vascular disorder Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia. Professor Hughes serves as Chair of the foundation’s North American Scientific and Medical Advisory Council.
