Allison Campbell, a Ph.D. candidate in the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Florida, has been awarded a prestigious fellowship through the National Institutes of Health Neuromuscular Plasticity and Rehabilitation (NMPT) T32 Training Grant.

Under the mentorship of Dr. Christine Schmidt, Campbell is advancing research focused on modulating the immune response following spinal cord injury to promote axonal regeneration. Using rodent models of contusive spinal cord injury, she investigates immune-modulating enzymes delivered via pro-regenerative hydrogels. Her work includes evaluating locomotor recovery and analyzing inflammatory cell phenotypes at the injury site.

Looking ahead, Campbell aims to develop translational, hydrogel-based therapies that mimic extracellular matrix remodeling to improve therapeutic retention and functional recovery.

The NIH NMPT T32 program equips emerging scientists with the training needed for impactful careers in translational rehabilitation research. Campbell’s achievement reflects the University of Florida’s commitment to developing future leaders in biomedical engineering. Through strong mentorship and collaborative partnerships with the NIH, UF BME students continue to push the frontiers of science at the intersection of engineering and human health.