Investigating the Mechanobiology of Organ Formation in the Developing Embryo

Undergraduate research opportunity to study how cells in the early embryo self-organize into tissues and organs through the integration of genes, molecules, and mechanical forces. The specific project will focus on cell movements involved in formation of the foregut: the tissue from which the lungs, esophagus, stomach and liver will all form. Project will involve cloning and molecular biology, gene misexpression, biomechanics, multiphoton live in vivo imaging, and embryology. This highly multidisciplinary opportunity will allow the student to create a breadth of hands on experience, and provide exposure to fields where the application of engineering principles is natural, yet underutilized.