Dr. James Ankrum is an associate professor of biomedical engineering and co-investigator for the Iowa Superfund Research Program's Project 2. He has expertise in the bioengineering of cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and 3Dorganoid cultures. He shares leadership responsibilities with Dr. Klingelhutz and oversees the tissue-on-chip experiments. In addition to supervising and participating in daily activities in his laboratory relevant to Project 2, he works closely with Dr. Klingelhutz to coordinate the overall project, manage experiments, analyze data, and disseminate experimental findings through presentations, manuscripts, and progress reports. 

Dr. Ankrum also serves as the RETCC leader. He has received numerous awards for his teaching and mentorship. In April 2024 he was awarded the Iowa Mid-Career Faculty Scholar Award. The award provides funding and development opportunities for outstanding tenured associate professors who have established national or international reputations in their disciplines and are exceptional teachers in and out of the classroom.