The focus of the Tissue Mechanics and Mechanobiology (TM²) lab is to investigate the influence of the local mechanical environment (stiffness, forces, deformation) on the growth, development, and healing of soft connective tissues. 

To accomplish our goals, we utilize native and engineered three-dimensional constructs populated with living cells (e.g., fibroblasts) and isolated cells in novel culture environments.

Research areas include:

1) development of bioartificial tissues in vitro,
2) micro-mechanical characterization of tissues,
3) constitutive modeling,
4) biochemical characterization.

We are also studying the biomechanics of fracture fixation devices (particularly sternum) and of vascularized bone homografts (so-called bone flaps) to determine optimal methods for bony healing.