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