Biomechanics and Mechanics of Materials
Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Laboratory
Some of the current research in biomechanics is concerned with the application of continuum theories of mixtures to problems of electromechanical behavior of soft biological tissues, contact mechanics, lubrication of diarthrodial joints, and cartilage tissue engineering. (Read more about the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Laboratory)
Kasza Living Materials Laboratory
We are an interdisciplinary group of engineers, biologists, and physicists who work to understand how cells self-organize to build tissues with mechanical and structural properties that are required for proper function. We study this problem in the context of embryonic development to uncover fundamental mechanisms of how cells build tissues in vivo, and we use the fruit fly as a model organism. The goal is to use this fundamental understanding both to shed light on human health and disease and also to learn how to better build tissues in the lab. (Read more about the Kasza Living Materials Laboratory)
Myers Soft Tissue Laboratory
Myers’ research focuses on characterizing the material behavior of biological soft tissues with a specific focus on the female reproductive system during pregnancy. Her research team utilizes experimental, theoretical, and computational mechanics to calculate and study the loading environment of pregnancy. Working with our clinical collaborators in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, her engineering group is building a fast, flexible and validated computational mechanics framework to clinically diagnose and treat mechanical failure in pregnancy. (Read more about the Myers Soft Tissue Laboratory)
Small Scale Mechanics Laboratory
In the area of the mechanics of materials, research is performed to better understand material constitutive behavior at the micro- and mesolength scales. This work is experimental, theoretical, and computational in nature. The ultimate goal is to formulate constitutive relationships that are based on physical concepts rather than phenomenology, as in the case of plasticity power-law hardening. In addition, the role that the constitutive relations play in the fracture and failure of materials is emphasized. (Read more about the Small Scale Mechanics Laboratory)
Vukelic Group
We study fundamental properties of biomaterials exploring ways to both characterize and modify them. The research has diverse applications ranging from precision diagnostics to targeted treatments. We are interested in understanding the underlying phenomena behind the transformation of biological media as a result of external input such as laser processing, or naturally occurring inputs such as disease development and progression. This leads to a more fundamental knowledge of the observed changes in the material properties and their sources of influence. The nature of our work is highly collaborative and we partner with clinicians, life biologists and other mechanical engineers to produce exciting new technologies which have the potential to improve healthcare and quality of life. (Read more about the Vukelic Group)