Development is highly dynamic!

We are interested in understanding how tissues and organs are formed. This quest involves understanding how tissues acquire specific shapes and structures while at the same time defining their fate and function. We are particularly interested in the role of mechanical and spatial signals and how these signals control cellular processes during morphogenesis and development.

We use two wonderful systems for our work, the powerful fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) as an in vivo system, and a variety of mammalian cell lines as an in vitro system.

We combine cell engineering, biophysics, imaging analysis, and cellular optogenetic manipulations to create engineering tools that allow us to control cell behavior and extracellular parameters to explore how mechanical cues control developmental processes.

This understanding will contribute to the creation of organized living systems with designed function and form for a wide range of applications, including regenerative medicine.