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Research

Research in MAL employs both molecular biology and engineering principles to experimental and computational approaches with a goal of understanding how mechanical forces regulate cell structure and function.

Current Projects:

  • Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton (LINC) Complex: This projects focuses on what role LINC complexes play in the stem cell mechanosignaling and aging. This study is funded by NIH R01AG059923.
  • Mechanical Regulation of Nuclear Mechanics: By utilizing computational methods and optical metrology, this project aims to quantify how external mechanical signals regulate nuclear structure. This study is funded by NSF 1929188
  • Bone Marrow Analogs and Microgravity : This project examines how decreases in age-associated bone volume contribute to decreased osteogenic capacity of stem cells in a bone marrow analog tissue under mechanical challenge. Microgravity conditions of International Space Station is used simulate the aging process of stem cells and permit direct analysis of biomechanics in real-time. This study is funded by AR3T technology development award  NIH 5P2CHD086843 and NSF/ISS 2025505