Biography
Dr. Marcelo Muñoz is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa and an Associate Scientist in the Cardiac Surgery Research Division at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. His research program focuses on the design of peptide-based therapeutics, regenerative biomaterials, and biomedical devices for cardiovascular repair.
His work lies at the interface of biochemical engineering, biomaterials science, and translational medicine, with a particular emphasis on developing clinically relevant solutions such as small-diameter vascular grafts and injectable therapeutic platforms. By integrating molecular design with physiological validation, his research aims to bridge fundamental biochemistry with real-world biomedical applications.
In addition to his research activities, Dr. Muñoz is actively involved in graduate and undergraduate training. He contributes to teaching and evaluation in the Biochemistry and Translational and Molecular Medicine programs and provides mentorship to MSc, PhD, and Honours students working at the interface of biomaterials and human disease.
Dr. Muñoz is a Chilean Pharmacist and received his PhD in Chemistry from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, where he previously held teaching appointments in undergraduate chemistry. Prior to his academic career in Canada, he also held international leadership roles in sports science and anti-doping, including coordinating drug testing programs for major international sporting organizations.
Through his adjunct appointment, Dr. Muñoz aims to strengthen interdisciplinary training and research collaboration between BMI and clinical research programs, contributing to the development of next-generation therapies and biomedical technologies.