Bioengineering and Bio-mechanics
Bio-mechanics and Bioengineering are growing, multi-disciplinary areas, which applie methods and tools from engineering and the sciences to problems in biology and medicine. The research spans multiple length and time scales, ranging from molecules through cells to individual organisms and animal group dynamics.
Current research activities include neuromechanics and hydrodynamics of swimming and legged locomotion; use of nanoparticles for cancer detection and treatment; cell mechanical properties and
adhesion; the application of lasers for research in biomaterials and medical devices; biophysical and mechanical properties of lipid bilayers; modeling cognitive and neural mechanisms of decision and control; decision making and collective motion in animal groups; numerical simulation of steady and unsteady fluid flows in biological environments; and bioinformatic and biostatistical analysis of cancer.
Faculty
- Mikko Haataja ~ (1) Signaling pathways in cells, (2) Biophysical and mechanical properties of lipid bilayers, and 3) Models of Cell Membranes.
- Philip Holmes ~ "How are neural spikes translated into behavior?" Present approaches to this general issue are addressed via three specific projects: (1) The neuromechanics of insect locomotion; (2) From neurons to vortices: integrated models of swimming in lamprey; and (3) Modeling cognitive and neural mechanisms of decision and control.
- Michael McAlpine ~ Nanotechnology-enabled hybrid sensors for medical applications.
- Clancy Rowley ~ Dynamics and control of fish-like swimming.
- Marlan Scully ~
- Alexander Smits ~ Hydrodynamics of swimming (relevant to eels, dolphins, and manta rays) and the general problem of unsteady propulsion. Eye surgery.
- Wole Soboyejo ~ Use of nanoparticles in cancer detection and treatment; fundamental studies of cell mechanical properties and cell adhesion to BioMEMS and orthopedic/dental materials, and bio-inspired design.
- Robert Stengel ~ New methods of cancer detection, disease dynamics and control. Bioinformatic and Biostatical Analysis of Colorectal Cancer.
- Szymon Suckewer ~ The application of lasers for research in biomaterials and medical devices.