Dr. Prawel co-directs the Biomaterials Research and Engineering Laboratory (BREL) with Dr. Susan James, develops biomaterials for cardiovascular and orthopedic healthcare. They hold several patents on novel technologies for orthopedic and cardiovascular applications.

He also founded and directs CSU’s Idea2Product (I2P) 3D printing lab, which provides access to 3D printing, scanning, software and related technologies, along with education and support for users.

Dr. Prawel has enjoyed a 38 year career as a developer, entrepreneur, consultant and educator in 3-D technology and digital product development. He helped build 6 startup companies, with one successful IPO and one in the works. He earned bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Buffalo, and a Ph.D. from Colorado State University in Biomedical Engineering. He is currently on the research faculty in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at CSU, where he develops biomaterials and runs the Idea2Product 3D printing lab, which he founded in 2012. In addition to his love affair with 3-D technology, he is also married for 35 years to a remarkable and extremely understanding woman and has an extraordinary son who is shaking things up in high-tech.