Labs and Centers

Research at the Computational Biosciences Laboratory (CBL) at Boise State University focuses on applying computational models to understand the mechanisms of disease, injury and degeneration, and designing targeted treatment options and surgical interventions to address clinical issues and athlete performance. We work in close collaboration with surgeons and experimentalists to gather data to develop and validate our models, and then use these models to predict how our body will behavior during different activities, or how it may change as a result of injury or surgical intervention. The overall objective of this work is to improve quality of life and functional performance.

Computational Materials Design (CMD) lab is an interdisciplinary research group which encompasses Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, High-Performance Computing, and AI.

The E3 lab is focused on engineering education research serving as an engine to explore novel classroom techniques that can help the professional formation of engineers through understanding of the formal and informal education and value systems by which people become engineers. Our lab’s research focus is in innovative teaching and learning strategies, use of emerging technologies, and mobile teaching and learning strategies. Our lab’s goal is to transform engineering education to support student success inside and outside the classroom, by developing evidence based, practical approaches that can be widely adopted by the engineering education community.

Studies in Mechanical Adaptations Laboratory (MAL) are directed towards understanding how changes in tissue mechanical environment in relation to exercise, injury, aging, and disuse regulate musculoskeleton.

Our research employs biology, physics, and engineering to identify the mechanical regulation of cells and tissues. In the laboratory, we employ a variety of bioreactors systems and 3D printing to study cell-level effects of exercise, microgravity, and aging.

The central mission of the NTM laboratory is to improve the well-being of individuals and societies by addressing persistent problems in musculoskeletal health. A core focus of our laboratory is to investigate how soft tissue responds to force during injury and repair, and to then translate this research into innovative medical solutions that are effective, practical and affordable. Our research utilizes experimental and computational methods, and we engage in interdisciplinary collaborations with biologists, engineers and clinicians.

Computational Fluid Dynamics and Modeling Lab’s work exists at the triple point of engineering, mathematics, and computing and is focused on developing numerical methods for simulating “free” (i.e. moving) boundary/interface fluid flow problems on real-world geometries. We are currently working on accurate and robust methods for “shallow” flows, which include many impactful physical phenomena like hurricane storm surge, tsunamis, large-scale ocean modeling, avalanches, and landslides. The “modeling” portion of our work is very diverse and includes smaller projects in data-driven modeling for aircraft control, weather prediction, ecology, exercise physiology, and other areas.

Smart Materials and Systems Laboratory’s vision is to integrate the multifunctionality offered by smart materials with advanced manufacturing techniques and multiphysics modeling tools to tackle challenging engineering problems. Smart materials have much to offer over other “dumb” materials, since their material properties vary controllably and reversibly as a result of stress, temperature, electrical or magnetic field, light, moisture, or other external stimuli. Our group focuses on magnetostrictive, piezoelectric, and shape memory materials in particular. Our research outcomes have fostered advancements in energy harvesting, harsh environment sensing, morphing structures, and structural and human health monitoring.

Research in the Thermal Transport and Solar Energy Lab (TTSEL) is focused on the intersection of thermal and mass transport with a variety of different energy systems. Our research has investigated radiative properties of nanoparticles, erosion in high temperature environments, desalination, and the design of hybrid thermal/photovoltaic solar collectors. Our current focus areas are high temperature solar thermal energy, thermally driven desalination, and enhanced heat transfer.

COBR is a partnership between the Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering and the School of Kinesiology.

The mission of COBR is to advance understanding of the mechanical and neuromuscular characteristics of human movement through basic science, engineering, clinical research and education.

My work focuses on enhancing engineering education through experimental methods, ensuring students gain hands-on experience in experimental design, data acquisition, and real-world problem-solving. Rather than a traditional research lab, my focus is on modernizing course materials, improving lab experiences, and integrating up-to-date technology to better align with industry practices. These courses emphasize the scientific method, data analysis, uncertainty quantification, and technical reporting, while also incorporating hands-on prototyping and practical engineering applications. To keep experimental methods current, I am seeking an undergraduate researcher to assist in exploring and implementing new technologies, refining lab exercises, and ensuring data reliability. This role is ideal for a student interested in engineering education, hands-on experimentation, and emerging technologies, with a passion for improving how students learn and apply core engineering principles.