Shinuo Weng

Shinuo Weng is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), leading the Tissue Morpho & Mechanics Laboratory (TMML). Her research focuses on bridging mechanical engineering and developmental cell biology to understand tissue morphogenesis during embryonic development. Weng earned her BEng from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2009), followed by a master's and PhD in Mechanical Engineering in Biosystems from the University of Michigan (2011 and 2016). After a postdoc at the University of Texas at Austin, she joined JHU in 2024.

Research Interests: Weng investigates multiscale mechanobiology, exploring how mechanical forces at different scales influence tissue shaping. Her lab uses interdisciplinary approaches to study cell-ECM interactions, collective cell movement, and the deviations in mechanical forces leading to congenital anomalies. Recent work includes studies on planar cell polarity (PCP) dynamics and force propagation during convergent extension.

Current Projects: The TMML lab develops engineering tools to recreate mechanical forces driving tissue growth. Notable contributions include studies on cadherin clustering, ARVCF catenin roles in force production, and the biomechanical integration of cell behaviors. Weng also teaches an introductory course on mechanobiology for engineering students.

Labs/Teams: The TMML lab includes PhD students Shuyuan Wang, Arjun Vijaykumar, and undergraduates Daniel Quinteros, Lawrence Wang, Heather Ostic, Alejandro Garcia, and Siyang Sun. The team collaborates on projects ranging from robotics in cell behavior analysis to bioengineered tissue models.

Grants & Future Work: Weng’s work is likely supported by grants focusing on mechanobiology and developmental engineering. Future directions include advancing 3D tissue engineering and exploring clinical applications of mechanotransduction insights.