Simon Young

Background

About Simon Young

I am an oral and maxillofacial surgeon–scientist focused on developing translational strategies to improve the detection, treatment, and functional rehabilitation of patients with oral and maxillofacial disease. My research integrates biomaterials engineering, tumor immunology, and clinical investigation to address major challenges in head and neck cancer and craniofacial tissue regeneration.A central theme of our laboratory is the design of biomaterials-based platforms for immune modulation. We develop injectable and implantable systems that enable in situ programming of immune cells to enhance anti-tumor immunity in oral squamous cell carcinoma. These platforms are engineered to control cell recruitment, antigen presentation, and local immune activation, and are evaluated in preclinical models as standalone therapies and in rational combination with immune checkpoint blockade and other immunotherapies.In parallel, we apply principles of instructive biomaterials and spatially controlled signaling to craniofacial regeneration, investigating hydrogel systems and surface modification strategies to promote bone regeneration in clinically relevant defect models.Beyond biomaterials, our work extends into clinical and translational research aimed at improving patient outcomes. In collaboration with academic and industry partners, we lead prospective clinical studies focused on biomarker development, early detection of oral malignancy, prevention of adverse surgical events, and rigorous clinical phenotyping of temporomandibular disorders.Across these efforts, our goal is to build scientifically rigorous, clinically meaningful solutions that move efficiently from bench to bedside and ultimately improve care for patients with oral and maxillofacial disease.More details can be found on our laboratory website here: https://go.uth.edu/Young_Lab