Recent research projects have focused on using a reverse engineering approach to develop in vitro models of the blood-brain barrier and the tumor microenvironment. For example, Searson’s lab is using tissue engineering and stem cell biology to develop models of the blood-brain barrier—the interface that separates the brain from the circulatory system, protecting the central nervous system from potentially harmful chemicals while regulating the transport of essential nutrients. These human models are being used for fundamental studies of neurogenesis, vascularization, and development, as well as mechanistic studies of disease progression, treatment, repair, drug and gene delivery, and toxicity.
Searson is a fellow of the American Physical Society, the Electrochemical Society, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is a member of several professional societies, including the Materials Research Society, American Chemical Society, American Association for Cancer Research, International Blood Brain Barrier Society, American Heart Association, and the Biomedical Engineering Society. A member of the National Academy of Inventors, Searson twice received the IBM Distinguished Faculty Award. He sits on the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Research Council.