Ali Salifu
Assistant Professor
Biography
Ali Salifu is an Assistant Professor of Engineering driven by the need to tackle global challenges in health and the environment. His current research aims to develop innovative biomaterials for drug delivery and tissue engineering. Research in drug delivery focuses on synthesizing targeted drugs and micro- and nano-carriers for the controlled delivery of (i) anticancer agents for cancer therapy and (ii) bioactive agents (growth factors, enzymes, antibodies, etc.) to enhance tissue development. His tissue engineering research concentrates on developing advanced 3D scaffolds to regenerate various tissues, with a current focus on sustainable plant-based scaffolds that have reduced environmental impact. Ali is passionate about impacting communities through his work developing low-cost ceramic water filters that effectively remove bacteria, viruses, and chemicals to serve as point-of-use household water purification systems in communities with limited access to potable drinking water. He is working with partners to implement these filters in rural areas in West Africa. Additionally, through the Math and Science for Sub-Saharan Africa (MS4SSA) program, he trained high school teachers from over 16 African countries on project-based learning modules in water filtration and 3D printing. Prior to joining Boston College, Ali was an Assistant Research Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where served as a Resource Person for WPI initiatives at the interface of engineering and society, such as the COVID-19 Response in Africa and Pandemic Engineering programs. Ali obtained his Ph.D. in Materials Engineering and MS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Surrey and BS in Biochemistry from the University of Ghana, Legon.