Chris Hughes, PhD

Professor Hughes’ research focuses on the development and growth of blood vessels and spans multiple scales – from understanding the basic molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis, to engineering of artificial tissues. Recently his lab has been pioneering “Body-on-Chip” technology, which allows for micro-organs to be grown on a “chip”, each with its own blood vessel network. These devices are gaining use as screening tools for new therapeutic drugs, and the technology is now licensed to Aracari Biosciences, for which Dr. Hughes is a founder and CSO. The Hughes lab has recently generated a model for HHT and this will be used to screen for new therapeutics. Professor Hughes has published over 100 peer-reviewed research manuscripts, and in 2014 was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Professor Hughes served for 10 years as chair of his department, and is now Associate Dean of Research and Innovation. He previously served as Director of the Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology.

Professor Hughes works extensively with the non-profit organization, cureHHT, which supports those with this rare vascular disorder. He chairs its North American Scientific Advisory Council and in 2021 received the Bob Berkman award for services to the HHT community.