Our laboratory focuses on the use of extracellular environments to control cell function. In particular, we are interested in composites of naturally-derived polymers for use in cardiovascular and orthopedic applications. Our work involves characterization of how cells interact with the 3D environment that surrounds them (including the extracellular matrix, soluble biochemicals, and mechanical forces), and the subsequent application of this knowledge to cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine.
Our current research projects are in the areas of: