Our research focuses on the interactions between structure, mechanics, and function in both the plant and animal kingdoms. This will have a major impact on:

Plants

  • developing designer cellulose fibers
  • managing crops that are resistant to stresses and require fewer resources

Animals

  • the ability to construct engineered tissues and organs
  • creating new scaffolds for tissue repair and regeneration
  • integrating implants in reconstructive surgery
  • understanding the positive and negative effects of exercise, activity, and trauma
  • providing therapies for tissue inflammation and fibrosis