Research Areas
The overarching goal in our laboratory is to design 3D environments that control cell response, with a particular emphasis on increasing nerve regeneration/decreasing neurodegeneration. We seek to understand the behavior of cells in vitro and enhance neural cell response in vivo.
Stem Cells
Our work in the lab seeks to characterize how stem cells respond to their microenvironment. These studies focus on characterizing how small changes in the environment, such as those that occur with aging or disease, influence the behavior of the stem cell. The results from these studies have implications for treatments of neurodegenerative diseases.
In vivo
In vivo, we are interested in supporting nervoregneration. When nerves are damaged, they have a limited regenerative capacity. Therefore, we are interested in designing support systems that increase the survival and development of both peripheral nerves and the optic nerve. The results from this work have implications in traumatic injury and glaucoma.
In vitro
To better design systems that support neuroregeneration in vivo, we first characterize these systems in vitro. In vivo, tissue regeneration occurs through cell infiltration. Using topography, mechanical and biochemical cues, we develop roadmaps for the infiltrating cells to use to properly regenerate, guiding cells to their target.