معرفی
Brenton Hoffman is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University. His research focuses on molecular mechanotransduction, particularly how mechanical and chemical cues influence cellular behavior in vascular biology and cancer metastasis. He employs interdisciplinary techniques from protein engineering, live cell microscopy, and biomaterials.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania (2007)
His work pioneers FRET-based molecular tension sensors to measure protein-level mechanical stress, revealing novel insights into focal adhesions and cell-cell contact dynamics. Recent publications highlight advancements in quantitative phase imaging and fluorescent protein switching during collective migration.
Scientific Awards:
- Klein Family Distinguished Teaching Award (2016)
- Searle Scholars (2013)
- NSF Early CAREER Award (2015)
- Two Young Investigator Prizes (2013)
His lab mentors students like Ishaan Puranam and Katheryn Rothenberg, with courses taught including Cell Mechanics and Mechanotransduction and Biological Engineering Seminar Series. Current projects aim to develop novel therapeutic approaches for mechanosensitive diseases through systems mechanobiology and polypeptide linker optimization.
