Maggie Fettis, UF BME Ph.D. student, was elected President of the Society for Biomaterials (SFB) National Student Chapter for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Prior to being elected to SFB national president, Fettis was the UF SFB secretary (2015-2016) and UF SFB president (2016-2017). As president, Fettis would like to implement more chances for networking, but more importantly, continue to facilitate mentor-mentee opportunities. Fettis is interested in forwarding SFB’s initiative of creating an accessible, interactive community to promote excellence in the field of biomaterials to help students and trainees become effective researchers themselves.

The Society for Biomaterials is a multidisciplinary society of academic, healthcare, governmental, and business professionals dedicated to promoting advancements in all aspects of biomaterial science, education, and professional standards to enhance human health and quality of life. Education and leadership is supported through student chapters, chapter awards, Biomaterials Days grants, an annual meeting scholarship and travel awards, and a student representative on Council.

The purpose of the National Student Section of the Society for Biomaterials is to encourage the development, dissemination, integration, and utilization of knowledge in biomaterials among students, and encourage multi-disciplinary interactions among all members of the Society for Biomaterials.  The objectives of the National Student Section shall be to promote student research, education, and professional development in biomaterials and related disciplines, to promote the advancement of biomaterials research, education, and related aspects, and to further the aims and objectives of the Society for Biomaterials.  The goals of the organization shall be to identify students interested in biomaterials, to generate student interest and interaction in biomaterials, and to aid the efficacy of students seeking research, education, and professional development opportunities.