Dr. Higgins’ research activities fit within the broad theme of medical bioprocessing, with a particular emphasis on technologies for long-term stabilization of cell-based products (e.g., cryopreservation, freeze drying) and microfluidic devices for chemical processing of blood. Current research projects focus on mathematical modeling and optimization of cryopreservation procedures, development of microfluidic cell washing methods to facilitate the use of frozen blood for transfusions and extracorporeal blood processing for treatment of sepsis.