Welcome to The Musculoskeletal Research Institute
The Musculoskeletal Research Institute (MRI) is a collaborative research institute approved by the Idaho State Board of Education and supported by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Boise State University. The Institute is comprised of multidisciplinary faculty from the Departments of Biological Sciences, Kinesiology, and Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, who perform innovative molecular, cellular and/or biomechanical studies.
Biomolecular Research Center
The Biomolecular Research Center at Boise State is a collaborative research center designed to provide a supportive environment for interdisciplinary research and education with opportunities for students and faculty members alike. The focus of the BRC is the study of biomolecules with emphasis on proteins and protein interactions. The BRC represents a comprehensive collection of instrumentation and facilities ideal for the characterization of biomolecules and their role in a variety of biomedical and environmental processes.
Center for Orthopaedic and Biomechanics Research
Computational Bioscience Laboratory
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 athletic 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 the body will behave 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.
Mechanical Adaptations Laboratory
Studies in Mechanical Adaptations Laboratory are directed towards understanding how changes in tissue mechanical environment in relation to exercise, injury, aging and disuse regulate structural adaptations in cells to control signaling and eventually fate decisions in stem cells.
Northwest Tissue Mechanics Laboratory
The central mission of the Northwest Tissue Mechanics (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.