Carlos Zgheib, PhD, MS
Carlos Zgheib, PhD, MS, is an associate professor in the Division of Pediatric Surgery at the University of Arizona Department of Surgery. He co-leads the Laboratory for Fetal and Regenerative Biology (LFRB) alongside Ken Liechty, MD, division chief of pediatric surgery at the University of Arizona and the surgeon-in-chief at Banner Children's at Diamond Children's Medical Center. As a leader in academic research, Dr. Zgheib is dedicated to advancing innovative therapies and fostering translational science within the department and broader biomedical community.
An award-winning scientist, inventor, and leader in biopharmaceutical innovation, Dr. Zgheib has over 20 years of experience in translational medicine, drug development, and strategic R&D. His research focuses on tissue regeneration, nanotechnology, and inflammation-driven diseases, exploring mechanisms of injury response and novel therapeutic interventions for chronic wounds, acute lung injury, and inflammatory bowel disease. His work, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other funding agencies, is driving the development of next-generation therapies with the potential for clinical translation.
Dr. Zgheib earned his PhD in Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology, specializing in inflammation-targeted therapies for tissue repair and regeneration. He also holds master’s degrees in Pharmacology and Cosmetology as well as Biomedical Sciences and a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. Following his doctorate, he completed postdoctoral training in regenerative medicine at the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute. Before joining the University of Arizona, he was an Associate Professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
Dr. Zgheib has authored numerous publications in Acta Biomaterialia, NanoMedicine, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, and Frontiers in Immunology, among others. He has also been the senior and lead author of multiple book chapters on tissue regeneration. His contributions to biomedical science have earned him prestigious accolades, including the Medline Corius Innovation Award from the Wound Healing Foundation and the Owen H. Wangensteen Excellence in Research Award from the American College of Surgeons.
A recognized leader in research development and innovation, Dr. Zgheib has led multiple large-scale interdisciplinary projects, secured significant NIH and DoD funding, and contributed to translating biomedical discoveries into therapeutic applications. He is a named inventor on multiple U.S. and international patents, underscoring his impact in advancing the field of regenerative medicine. Through his leadership, he continues to drive cutting-edge research, mentor the next generation of scientists, and shape the future of biomedical innovation.