Brendon Baker

Brendon Baker serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan, where he directs the Engineered Microenvironments and Mechanobiology Lab. His research investigates how structural and mechanical properties of cellular microenvironments govern fundamental cell processes including migration, proliferation, and extracellular matrix synthesis.

Education:

• BS in Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, 2005
• PhD in Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 2010

Dr. Baker's work centers on developing synthetic biomaterials that mimic 3D fibrous stromal tissues to model cell-microenvironment interactions. His lab combines molecular tools, live imaging, microfabrication, and mechanical characterization to study how cells interpret dynamic external cues in contexts ranging from cancer progression to tissue regeneration. This research provides critical insights into extracellular matrix-mediated diseases while advancing regenerative medicine applications.

Scientific Awards:

• 2006-2007, Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need Fellowship in Bioengineering
• 2007-2010, National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
• 2012-2014, Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award
• 2015-2016, NIH Pathway to Independence Award
• 2020 University of Michigan Endowment of Basic Sciences Accelerator Award
• 2021 University of Michigan Biomedical Engineering Department Mentoring Award
• 2021 Biomedical Engineering Society Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering Rising Star Award
• 2021 Boehringer Ingelheim Discovery Award
• 2021 Biomedical Engineering Society Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering Young Innovator Award
• 2021 University of Michigan Endowment of Basic Sciences Teaching Award

Dr. Baker has secured significant research funding through prestigious awards including the NIH Pathway to Independence Award and Boehringer Ingelheim Discovery Award. His exceptional mentoring was recognized with the 2021 University of Michigan Biomedical Engineering Department Mentoring Award, while his teaching excellence earned the 2021 Endowment of Basic Sciences Teaching Award.

The Engineered Microenvironments and Mechanobiology Lab employs multidisciplinary approaches combining biomaterials engineering, live-cell imaging, and microfluidics to model disease mechanisms and develop regenerative solutions, with particular focus on cancer stroma and fibrotic tissue remodeling.