Marino Arroyo

Marino Arroyo is a Professor at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), affiliated with the Research Center in Numerical Methods in Applied Science and Engineering (LaCàN). He is also associated with CIMNE and the Institute of Bioengineering of Catalunya (IBEC). His work focuses on computational and theoretical modeling of biological systems, particularly epithelial mechanics, active matter, and biomembranes. He holds the Icrea Academia Award, recognizing his contributions to mechanobiology and soft matter physics.

• Education:
  • PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University (2003)
  • BS/MS in Civil Engineering, UPC
  • Postdoc at Caltech with Michael Ortiz (2003-2004)

Research Interests: Combines mathematical modeling, mechanics, and computations to study small-scale material behavior and biological systems. Current focus includes cell/tissue mechanobiology, active living materials, and bio-inspired materials. Key themes are nonlinear mechanics of 2D materials (graphene, biomembranes), continuum mechanics, and molecular-to-continuum modeling.

Recent Article Trends: Focuses on multiscale epithelial mechanics, active gels, hydraulic fracture in biological systems, and mechanochemical feedback in cellular membranes. Recent work includes modeling curved epithelial shells, nematic patterns in cytoskeletal layers, and shape-programmable living surfaces.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Icrea Academia Awardee

Advising & Grants: Supervised over 20 PhD students, many of whom hold prestigious postdocs or academic positions. Collaborates with experimental groups (e.g., Xavier Trepat, Danijela Vignjevic). Current projects include NIH-funded studies on epithelial mechanics and ERC grants for computational modeling.

Labs/Teams: Leads LaCàN's biomaterials group, integrating computational mechanics with experimental biology. Active in interdisciplinary collaborations across UPC, IBEC, and international institutions.