FARIL Legacy
FARIL Legacy — a tribute to the exceptional researchers, innovators, and scientists who have shaped the foundation and future of the Foot & Ankle Research and Innovation Lab (FARIL). Each individual recognized here has left an indelible mark through their leadership, groundbreaking research initiatives, and commitment to advancing the field of orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery. Their contributions extend beyond academic accomplishments; they embody the spirit of perseverance, collaboration, and sacrifice, dedicating themselves to education and innovation that transcends their time at FARIL. This page celebrates their remarkable journeys, their transformative impacts, and the enduring legacy they leave behind in the pursuit of excellence in science and medicine.
Bart Lubberts, MD, PhD
Director of FARIL (2019–2021), Instructor at Harvard Medical School
Dr. Bart Lubberts served as the Director of the Foot & Ankle Research and Innovation Lab (FARIL) from 2019 to 2021, leaving an enduring legacy of growth, innovation, and global impact. During his tenure, FARIL flourished as a hub of scientific excellence, producing numerous peer-reviewed publications and presenting a remarkable number of studies at prestigious national and international conferences and events.
Under his visionary leadership, FARIL made significant advancements in infrastructure, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art operating room equipped with necessary instruments such as a C-Arm, arthroscopy towers, and specimen storage facilities. These upgrades positioned FARIL as a premier research facility capable of conducting advanced biomechanical and clinical studies. Dr. Lubberts also focused on fostering a collaborative and educational environment. He established FARIL’s social media presence, broadening its reach and visibility in the scientific community. He mentored and trained a diverse group of researchers, surgeons, and students from across the United States and around the globe, inspiring a new generation of leaders in orthopedic research and surgery.
In 2021, Dr. Lubberts embarked on a new journey in the private sector. However, his connection to FARIL remains strong—he continues to inject energy and passion into the team, sharing his enthusiasm and excitement for the lab’s ongoing work. Dr. Lubberts’ contributions have left a lasting imprint, and his legacy continues to inspire FARIL’s mission of advancing foot and ankle research and innovation.
Omer Subasi, PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher (2023–2024), Lead of 3D Modeling and Prototyping Initiative
Dr. Omer Subasi, a distinguished biomedical engineer from Turkey, brought a wealth of expertise and innovation to FARIL during his tenure as a postdoctoral researcher from the beginning of 2023 to the end of 2024. With a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Caltech (Pasadena, CA) and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Koç University (Istanbul, Turkey), Omer’s research interests span orthopedic implant design, computer-aided surgery assistance systems, computational biomechanics, and advanced manufacturing.
At FARIL, Dr. Subasi served as the Lead of the 3D Modeling and Prototyping Initiative, driving forward cutting-edge engineering applications in orthopedics. His contributions include several first-authored publications in prestigious biomedical journals, particularly focusing on computational biomechanics, 3D modeling, and finite element analysis. A key highlight of Dr. Subasi’s time at FARIL was his leadership in the lab’s collaboration with 3D printing and prototyping companies sponsoring our initiatives in the field, as the lead engineer. Through these initiatives, in collaboration with a team of faculty, scientists, clinicians, and researchers, Dr Subasi designed and prototyped innovative 3D-printed and patient-specific surgical tools, further pushing the boundaries of surgical tool design and manufacturing.
In addition to his research and engineering achievements, Dr. Subasi was deeply committed to education and mentorship. He supervised undergraduate engineering interns, fostering the next generation of biomedical engineers. Through FARIL, Dr Subasi collaborated with various educational institutions such as Northeastern University, TUFTS University, MIT, and Harvard University, in summer courses and various educational initiatives that allowed students and trainees to benefit from his knowledge and skillset. He also regularly delivered seminars to MGH researchers, sharing insights into engineering methods used in orthopedic research, and taught finite element methods and 3D computer modeling techniques, enriching the academic environment at FARIL.
Dr. Omer Subasi’s dedication, technical acumen, and leadership have left a profound legacy at FARIL, inspiring innovation and collaboration that continues to impact orthopedic research and practice. Dr. Subasi remains actively involved with the lab. He supports its initiatives, offers guidance, and shares his expertise with the team. His enthusiasm and dedication to FARIL’s mission remain unwavering, and he continues to inspire innovation and collaboration.