Computational bioengineering
Tissue mechanics, aneurysms, and pain
The Barocas research group explores the relationship between tissue architecture and mechanics using multiscale computational models and mechanical experiments. Currently, they’re researching how aneurysms grow and fail, and how spinal load leads to injury or pain.
How cellular functions go awry
The Odde Lab aims to understand basic cellular functions in the context of diseases such as brain cancer and Alzheimer's. The team develops physics-based models that predict cell behavior, then use computer simulation and live cell imaging to identify potential therapeutic strategies.
Discovering treatments at the molecular scale
The Sachs Lab is trying to explain how molecules malfunction in diseases like arthritis and Parkinson’s, to discover new treatment strategies. To do this, the team combines experimental biophysics, cell biology, and computational modeling using some of the world’s fastest supercomputers.
Understanding protein networks
The Sarkar laboratory uses approaches from biomolecular engineering and biology to better understand how protein networks drive health-related processes at the cellular level. Ultimately, this could lead to more effective therapeutics, such as to stop the proliferation of cancer.
Prediction and prevention of cardiac arrhythmias
Alena Talkachova’s group visualizes electrical activity in the heart and small patches of cardiac tissue. They use nonlinear dynamics approaches to predict transition from normal to abnormal cardiac rhythms, and to prevent arrhythmias in the heart. They also develop novel tools to guide mapping-specific ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Living valves for growing bodies
Bob Tranquillo’s laboratory develops biologically engineered “off-the-shelf” vascular grafts, heart valves, and vein valves. They’ve shown the material, produced by skin cells, has the capacity to grow, which may transform the way pediatric congenital heart defects are treated.
Pregnancy and soft tissue biomechanics
Kyoko Yoshida's lab studies how soft tissues grow and remodel to support a healthy pregnancy. They combine experimental and computational methods to uncover how mechanical and hormonal changes interact to drive dramatic tissue changes during pregnancy.
Research from our graduate faculty
Understanding cell signaling networks
The Batchelor lab combines computational and experimental approaches to understand the regulation and function of cell signaling pathways related to cancer development and progression. The group develops methods to manipulate cell signaling events to restore proper functions in pathological conditions.
Neural foundations of complex cognition
Jan Zimmermann’s lab explores the neural foundation of decision-making. The interdisciplinary team uses approaches from neuroscience, economics, psychology, math and physics to figure out how organisms adaptively use their finite neural coding capacity to make choices.