Andrew Holle is an Assistant Professor at the Mechanobiology Institute , National University of Singapore , where he leads the Confinement Mechanobiology Lab within the Department of Biomedical Engineering . His work spans mechanobiology, stem cell differentiation, cancer mechanobiology, and microfluidics, with a focus on understanding how physical confinement influences cellular behavior. Education: B.S.E. in Bioengineering (Minor in Statistics), Arizona State University (2008) Ph.D. in Bioengineering, University of California San Diego (2013) Research in the Confinement Mechanobiology Lab centers on the hypothesis that stem cell differentiation is driven by mechanical cues during migration through confined extracellular matrix (ECM) environments. The lab develops microfluidic systems to mimic ECM confinement and studies its impact on osteogenic differentiation , cancer cell migration , and cellular condensates . Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining mechanobiology , nanotechnology , and microfluidics to explore nuclear morphological changes, volume regulation, and ligand signaling in confined cellular environments. Laboratory Members: Privita Edwina (Research Fellow) Vaishnavi Rangaraj (Research Assistant) Sriram Muthukumar (Research Fellow) Chang Ye Ji (PhD Student) Gao Xu (PhD Student) Lim Yuan Bin (PhD Student) Shinny Sunny (PhD Student) Lee Jia Wen Nicole (PhD Student) Li Yixuan (PhD Student)
Vivek Shenoy is the Eduardo D. Glandt President's Distinguished Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, with primary appointments in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and secondary appointments in Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics. He leads the Multiscale Mechanobiology and Biomaterials Laboratory, which focuses on developing theoretical frameworks and numerical methods to understand complex biological and engineering systems across multiple length scales. Shenoy's research spans mechanobiology, chromatin organization, cell mechanics, and biomaterials. His work addresses the fundamental challenge of modeling how small-scale cellular phenomena couple with long-range tissue-level interactions across micrometers to centimeters. By integrating insights from soft matter physics, solid mechanics, chemistry, and applied mathematics, his group develops multiphysics continuum and mesoscale theories to elucidate mechanisms controlling both biological and engineering systems. His recent publications demonstrate an increasing focus on nuclear mechanics, chromatin organization, and the interplay between mechanical forces and gene regulation. Analysis of Shenoy's publication record reveals a strong interdisciplinary approach, with high-impact papers spanning biophysics, materials science, and cell biology. His work shows consistent evolution from fundamental mechanics of materials to complex biological systems, with recent emphasis on the mechanical regulation of chromatin architecture, cell migration dynamics in 3D environments, and mechanotransduction in development and disease. His publications appear regularly in top journals including Nature, Science, and their affiliated publications, demonstrating significant influence across multiple fields. Eduardo D. Glandt President's Distinguished Professor Multiple publications in Nature, Science, and PNAS Active research program with publications through 2025 Shenoy actively mentors students and postdocs through his laboratory, with numerous co-authored publications indicating strong mentorship. His research program appears to be well-funded through multiple grants supporting his work in mechanobiology and biomaterials. The Multiscale Mechanobiology and Biomaterials Laboratory maintains active collaborations across disciplines and institutions, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his research. The Multiscale Mechanobiology and Biomaterials Laboratory, housed within the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, serves as the primary research hub for Shenoy's work. The lab maintains an active presence on social media (Twitter: @ShenoyLab) for updates on activities and publications. Their research approach combines theoretical modeling with experimental validation to address fundamental questions at the interface of mechanics, materials science, and biology.
Andre Levchenko is the John C. Malone Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Yale University, with secondary appointments in the Department of Neurosurgery and affiliations with the Cancer Signaling Networks, Immunology, and the Yale Program in Neurodevelopment and Regeneration. His research focuses on systems biology, signal transduction, and cell-cell communication, utilizing microfluidics and computational modeling to study cancer progression, stem cell behavior, and neurological disorders. PhD, Columbia University MEng, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology Levchenko's work explores how cells process dynamic signals to make critical decisions, particularly in glioblastoma migration, organoid development, and cardiovascular tissue engineering. His lab develops innovative microfluidic platforms and mathematical models to dissect multicellular communication and signaling networks. Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding YAP-driven cancer invasion , NOTCH signaling in angiogenesis , and metabolic regulation of hypoxia responses . He has pioneered methods for organoid modeling and single-cell analysis , advancing precision in biological signaling studies. Scientific Awards : Computational Molecular Biology Post-Doctoral Fellowship (Burroughs Wellcome Fund) National Academies Keck Futures Conference Invitee Distinguished Guest Lecturer, University of Virginia American Asthma Foundation Early Excellence Award Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering Levchenko leads the Levchenko Lab at the Yale Systems Biology Institute, collaborating with institutions like Mayo Clinic and Yale Cancer Center. His research has received recognition in Faculty of 1000 and multiple journal highlights.
Rainer Haag is a Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, leading the Haag Group in the Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry. His research focuses on biodegradable and sustainable materials, dynamic hydrogels, and polymeric nanosystems for biomedical applications. Department of Chemistry, Freie Universität Berlin Member of SFB 1449: Dynamic Hydrogels at Biointerfaces Collaborator in the StemGel startup project Co-founder of CSR|Berlin interdisciplinary research institute Research Interests: Development of stimuli-responsive polymers, multivalent virus inhibitors, and functional biointerfaces. Key projects include: Antiviral coatings using heteromultivalent polymers Thermoresponsive hydrogels for stem cell expansion Graphene derivatives for bacterial capture and disinfection Lignin upcycling for sustainable resin materials Supramolecular nanosystems for drug delivery Publication Trends highlight interdisciplinary work in polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomedical applications. Recent articles focus on: 2D polyglycerols for virus interactions Redox-responsive nanogels Mucus-inspired adhesive hydrogels Tumor-targeting micelles Bacterial disinfection using graphene composites Labs & Collaborations include the Polymeric and Supramolecular Nanosystems subgroup, the Dynamic Hydrogels and Biointerfaces team, and partnerships with MIT in developing bioinspired adhesives. His group contributes to DFG-funded SFB 1449 and CSR|Berlin initiatives.
Assoc Prof Ng Teng Yong is an Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (NTU), specializing in numerical modeling and simulation. With a background as Research Manager at A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing, his work spans materials science, nanotechnology, and aerospace engineering. Current focus on graphene-based desalination membranes Expertise in molecular dynamics simulations Investigates nanoscale fluid mechanics and structural dynamics Recent publications highlight advancements in energy-efficient electrodialysis, smart robotics, and nonlinear vibration analysis. His interdisciplinary approach integrates computational methods with experimental validation in additive manufacturing and soft material mechanics.
Konstantinos Anastassiadis is a Professor at the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB) of Dresden University of Technology , leading the Stem Cell Engineering group at the Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) . His research focuses on unraveling molecular pathways regulating stem cell self-renewal and lineage commitment, with a strong emphasis on genetic engineering tool development and epigenetic mechanisms during cellular reprogramming. The lab utilizes mouse and human embryonic stem cells, neural stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in their investigations. Core Research Areas: Molecular regulation of stem cell fate Epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., UTX/UTY histone demethylases) Genetic engineering tool development (Flp, Dre, Vika recombinases, CRISPR protocols) Conditional immortalization systems for rare cell expansion Publications highlight his contributions to understanding: Role of histone methyltransferases (MLL1, MLL2, Setd1b) in hematopoiesis and cancer Epigenetic regulation during mouse development and spermatogenesis Genetic tools for protein tagging, transposon-mediated BAC transgenesis Interactions between stem cells and niche microenvironments Transcriptional and mechanical markers during reprogramming Collaborations span immunology , developmental biology , and bioinformatics . The lab actively participates in teaching activities at CMCB and maintains a focus on translational applications of stem cell research.
Michael Murrell is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Yale University, with additional appointments in the Physics Department and the Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Track. He holds a B.S. from Johns Hopkins University and a Ph.D. from MIT. His research focuses on understanding cellular mechanics through biomimetic systems and soft matter physics, aiming to bridge biological principles with technological innovation. Key interests include the mechanical basis of cell division, migration, and energy dynamics in cytoskeletal networks. Selected honors include the Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Institute for Complex Adaptive Matter (2010–2012), an NIH Biotechnology Training Grant (2005–2008), and the MIT Presidential Fellowship (2004). His lab, the Laboratory of Living Matter, investigates how physical properties of cells drive life processes, using tools from synthetic biology and computational modeling. Recent work explores energy localization in cytoskeletal networks and mechanical memory in actin systems. Publications highlight advancements in actomyosin contractility, cortical flows, and biophysical energy conversion. The lab actively seeks PhD students and postdocs to join interdisciplinary projects at the Yale Systems Biology Institute and the Physical Engineering and Biology Program.
Professor Hala Zreiqat AM is a leading biomedical engineer at The University of Sydney , serving as the Director of the ARC Training Centre for Innovative BioEngineering . A Fellow of all major Australian academies (AAS, ATSE, FAHMS, FRSN), she develops 3D printed bioceramics for bone regeneration while championing diversity through initiatives like the IDEAL Society and BIOTech Futures mentorship program. Her work bridges academia, clinical practice, and industry in musculoskeletal research . Research Focus: Her lab creates synthetic bone scaffolds that mimic natural bone architecture, strength, and porosity, enabling non-rejected bone regeneration via patient-matched implants. Key applications include orthopaedic, dental, and maxillofacial repair , with over $18M in competitive funding and multiple patents. Current projects explore AI-driven scaffold performance prediction and anti-senescence strategies for aging-related bone loss. Scientific Trends: Recent publications highlight 3D printed nanovoxelated ceramics , antisenescence biomaterials , and multifunctional theranostic platforms . Her team integrates machine learning for scaffold design, atom probe tomography for interface analysis, and two-photon imaging for cellular monitoring in 3D environments. 2021-2022 Fulbright Senior Scholar 2018 NSW Premier's Woman of the Year 2019 Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology Fellow of Australian Academy of Science (2021) Over $18M in research funding Teaching & Leadership: She designed core courses like Tissue Engineering and Nanomaterials in Medicine , mentoring 158 students in 2020 alone. As Chair of CAAR (2020-2023), she strengthens Australia-Arab collaborations. Her lab trains early-career researchers , with alumni now in academia and industry.
Dr. John A. Copland III is a Professor of Cancer Biology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He leads the Cancer Biology and Translational Research Laboratory, focusing on molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and development of targeted cancer therapies. Education: PhD in Physiology & Endocrinology (Medical College of Georgia), MS in Endocrinology (Medical College of Georgia), BS in Chemistry (Columbus College), with postdoctoral training at University of Texas Medical Branch. Research interests center on: Identifying tumor suppressor genes (e.g., RhoB, TBR3, GATA3) and oncogenes (e.g., FOXO3a, SCD1, NPTX2). Developing patient-derived xenografts and live cell models for personalized medicine. Designing SCD1 inhibitors via in silico modeling for clinical trials. Recent publications highlight his work on SCD1 inhibition in leukemia and thyroid cancer ImmunoPET imaging of thyroid tumors CRISPR-identified drug synergies in cholangiocarcinoma Patient-specific combination therapies using xenograft models
Prof. Joachim Spatz is a Full Professor of Biophysical Chemistry at Heidelberg University and Director of the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research. His academic career includes roles as Director at MPI for Metals Research (2004–2015) and Founding Director of the Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering (IMSE). He holds a PhD from Ulm University and habilitation in Physics, with postdoctoral training at the Institut Curie, Paris. His research spans cellular biophysics, materials science, and synthetic biology, focusing on mechanotransduction, cell-material interactions, and engineered biological systems. Education: 1989–1994: Dipl. Phys. (Physics), Ulm University & Colorado State University 1994–1996: PhD (summa cum laude), Ulm University 2000: Habilitation in Physics, Ulm University Research Interests: Spatz’s work integrates biophysics, materials science, and engineering to study cellular mechanics, synthetic cells, and mechanosensing. Key projects include developing synthetic cell models using microfluidics and exploring how mechanical forces regulate cell behavior in health and disease. Awards: 2017 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize 2012 ERC Advanced Grant (with Prof. B. Geiger) 2002 Alfried Krupp Research Award Labs & Collaborations: Leads the Cellular Biophysics Department at MPI for Medical Research and collaborates with institutions like the Weizmann Institute and Jackson Laboratory. Active in interdisciplinary initiatives such as the Max Planck School Matter to Life.
Jennifer Curtis is a Full Professor in the School of Physics at Georgia Institute of Technology and serves as an ADVANCE Professor for the College of Sciences. Her research focuses on the physics of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, particularly within glycobiology and immunobiology contexts. Dr. Curtis earned her Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Chicago (2002) and her B.A. in Physics from Columbia University (1997). Her research interests span biophysics at interfaces, quantitative modeling of collective cellular interactions, cell mechanics, motility, adhesion, and the role of bulky sugars in tissue organization. Her laboratory investigates collective and single cell migration, immunophage therapy (combining immune cells with phages to combat bacterial infections), and molecular biophysics of hyaluronan synthase. Recent work demonstrates applications in soft materials, biomaterials, tissue engineering, and advanced characterization techniques. Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent focus on glyco-biophysics and cellular mechanics, with increasing emphasis on microbial communities and therapeutic applications. Her work bridges physics, biology, and engineering through interdisciplinary approaches. Honors include the NSF CAREER Award (2010), Georgia Tech College of Sciences Faculty Mentor Award (2015), and Cullen Peck Award (2020). She serves on the Biophysical Journal editorial board. Dr. Curtis actively mentors students through the Georgia Tech Physics REU program (which she directs) and collaborates with biologists, chemists, and materials scientists. Her laboratory maintains strong partnerships with institutions including Emory University and international collaborators. The Curtis Lab operates the Cell Physics Laboratory in the Molecular Science & Engineering Building, utilizing advanced techniques including holographic optical tweezers, thermochemical nanolithography, and single-molecule imaging to study cellular mechanics and polymer physics at biological interfaces.
Professor Maryse Bailly is a Professor of Cell Biology at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, where she has been employed since December 2000, progressing from Lecturer to Reader/Associate Professor and finally to Professor in October 2020. Her research focuses on understanding fibroblast behavior in the context of ocular diseases, scarring, and fibrosis, with particular emphasis on cytoskeletal dynamics and mechanotransduction pathways. Education: Doctor of Philosophy, Universite Claude Bernard (Lyon 1), 1992 Diplome Universitaire de Technologie, Universite Claude Bernard (Lyon 1), 1983 Professor Bailly's research program investigates how fibroblasts sense and respond to mechanical and chemical stimuli in their environment, with applications to multiple ocular pathologies including trachoma, thyroid eye disease, glaucoma scarring, and myopia. Her laboratory has developed innovative in vitro and ex vivo models that allow the study of tissue contraction mechanisms within pseudo-physiological 3D environments, leading to the identification of novel therapeutic targets such as the Rac1 small GTPase and the MRTF/SRF pathway. She has established significant collaborations with clinicians at Moorfields Eye Hospital, particularly with Dr. Annegret Dahlmann-Noor on pediatric eye growth and myopia research. Analysis of Professor Bailly's publication record reveals a consistent focus on fibroblast mechanobiology with increasing emphasis on pediatric ocular development in recent years. Her work bridges fundamental cell biology with translational applications, particularly in understanding the biomechanical properties of fibroblasts in myopia development and post-surgical scarring. The research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between ophthalmology, cell biology, and tissue engineering. Teaching: CELL0016 - Actin cytoskeleton and Intermediate Filaments CELL0017 - Fibrosis and mechanotransduction CELL0009 - Models organisms and techniques MECH0031 MSc Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering - Modeling tissue contraction and fibrosis
Pere Roca-Cusachs Soulere is a Full Professor at the University of Barcelona and Group Leader at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC). His research focuses on understanding how cells detect and respond to mechanical signals through physical and molecular mechanisms. He holds significant roles in both academic and research institutions, including leadership in IBEC's Cellular and Molecular Mechanobiology group. Education: PhD in cellular biophysics (2007) from the University of Barcelona Medical School; postdoctoral research at Columbia University (2007–2011). Established his group at IBEC in 2012. Awards include the EMBO Young Investigator Award, City of Barcelona Award, and EBSA Young Investigator Award. Research Interests: Mechanobiology, cellular mechanotransduction, force transmission, nuclear mechanics, and integrin-mediated adhesion. His work bridges biophysics, cell biology, and engineering to study how mechanical forces influence cellular behavior and disease processes. Awards: Recognized for contributions to mechanobiology, including EMBO membership and multiple prestigious awards. His lab develops innovative tools like the MIRO chip to model tumor-immune interactions. Advising & Grants: Leads a multidisciplinary team, collaborating on projects funded by grants focusing on cell mechanics, cancer biology, and tissue engineering. His work integrates experimental and computational approaches to advance understanding of cellular force dynamics. Labs/Teams: Directs the Cellular and Molecular Mechanobiology group at IBEC, a hub for cutting-edge research on mechanosensing and mechanotransduction.
Associate Professor Arnold Lining Ju is a biomedical engineer at the University of Sydney's School of Biomedical Engineering, affiliated with multiple institutes including the Heart Research Institute and Sydney Nano Institute. He holds academic positions in both the Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Medicine & Health. Education: BSc from Peking University, PhD from Georgia Tech and Emory University (USA). Honors include Snow Fellowship, Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellowship, and multiple awards for cardiovascular research innovation. Research focuses on mechanobiology and biomechanics of thrombosis, developing microfluidic devices and organ-on-chip systems. Key projects include AI-driven single-cell nanotools, 3D biofabrication, and anti-thrombotic peptide design. Leads interdisciplinary teams and collaborates internationally with institutions like Harvard and University of Texas. Teaching roles include coordinating advanced cellular biomechanics courses and supervising PhD/Masters students in biomedical engineering and physiology. Over 50 peer-reviewed publications, with contributions to Nature Materials, Nature Communications, and other top journals.
Jennifer L. West is the Dean of the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science and holds the Saunders Family Professorship in Engineering. She is a dual professor in Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Dean West has a 30-year record as a researcher, educator, inventor, and entrepreneur, focusing on biomaterials, nanotechnology, and tissue engineering to address unmet medical needs, particularly in cancer therapy. Her education includes a B.S. from MIT (1992) and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin (1996). Before UVA, she was at Duke University as the Fitzpatrick Family Distinguished Professor of Engineering and Associate Dean for Ph.D. Education. Research Interests: Biomaterials and biosynthesis Nanotechnology and tissue engineering Cancer therapy through engineered materials Scientific Awards: Member of the National Academy of Medicine (2023) Member of the National Academy of Engineering (2016) Over 20 patents, including foundational work for Nanospectra Biosciences’ clinical trials in cancer therapy Grants & Initiatives: Leading UVA Engineering’s focus on research, experiential learning, and entrepreneurship Recipient of a $900,000 grant for character-building education initiatives Labs & Teams: Developed hydrogel platforms for tissue integration, vascularization, and drug delivery Pioneered gold nanoshell-based photothermal cancer therapy
