DESCRIPTION:
The biomechanics interfaces lab focuses on the investigation of the complex interaction of cells and tissues with their environment through the use of a new generation of dynamic materials and devices. Interactions between physical forces, rheological properties, and biochemical cues regulate virtually all aspects of cell physiology. Therefore, mimicking essential features of physiological and pathological conditions is essential for elucidating fundamental cell and tissue adaptations and translating basic research to the clinic. From this perspective, technologies capable of precisely varying the timing, magnitude, and combinations of biomechanical and biochemical inputs provide great investigative power.
EXPECTATIONS:
Time Commitments
- Research Assistant’s (RA’s) will attend weekly lab meeting.
- RA’s will commit to at least two full semesters in the lab. RA’s who leave the lab after one semester will not be eligible for a recommendation letter from the PI.
- RA’s will respond to emails within 1 business day.
- RA’s will spend 9 hours on lab responsibilities each week. This includes the 1 hour lab meeting. All other hours are to be completed physically in the lab.
- RA time will be scheduled and consistent each week.
Presentations
- RA’s will present or co-present at group meeting as part of their lab experience.
Responsibilities
- RA’s will enter, check, and clean data with care to ensure data are not deleted, incorrectly recorded, or removed from the lab.
- RA’s will learn to conduct detailed literature reviews and record their findings systematically.
- RA’s will engage in data collection and be completely responsible for their experiments.
- RA’s will follow all data collection protocols carefully and precisely.
- RA’s will seek support from the PI or a graduate student if they are uncertain about a task.
- RA’s will keep a log of their activities and will summarize these activities in letter form at the end of each semester, providing this summary to the PI.
