We are a Biophysics theory and modeling group specializing in mechanobiology (cell and tissue mechanics) and biomaterials.
A general theme in our projects is to understand how active mechanical forces (typically generated by molecular motors) drive the self-organization of ordered biological structures during key cellular processes such as cell division, wound healing, blood clotting and tissue development. We typically use a combination of simple physical model-building, computer simulations and analysis of experimental data to achieve these aims.
Some recent examples of systems of interest to the lab are the cell cytoskeleton including purified actomyosin gels, ordering in muscle especially cardiac muscle tissue, contraction of blood clots and cell-cell mechanical interactions leading to multicellular networks.
