51AV

Research Interests

My research in computational biological physics focuses on developing and utilizing multiscale biophysical approaches, including mathematical modeling and systems biology, to determine how biomechanical forces impact cell behaviors such as cell migration and proliferation. My research specializes in elucidating the consequences of biomechanical forces and cell-cell interactions on embryo development and tumor growth. Current topics of research focus include collective cell migration during embryo development and tumor growth and intercellular signaling.

My work on cell-cell signaling and cell-substrate mechanical interactions are areas that I moved into by recognizing the potential of research in these areas to answer crucial questions underlying how mechanical properties impact cell behaviors. 

We predict that understanding how forces control key cell behaviors will allow us to lay the groundwork to build multicellular collectives with defined shapes or functions. This will enable us to test and validate biophysical principles underlying how biological shapes naturally form and build custom organs to replace ones that are injured or aged.