UC San Diego, Department of Bioengineering

• bioengineering analysis of blood flow
• microvascular perfusion and exchange
• cell mechanics in the passive and active state
• molecular biology of cells and membranes in relation to cell deformability and adhesion
• effects of mechanical forces on gene expression; cardiopulmonary dynamics
• biomechanical properties of tissues
• kinetics of growth
• fluid flow in the interstitium, lymphatics, bone and joints
• muscle physiology and mechanics
• stress distribution in organs including the heart and cartilage
• healing and reconstruction of soft connective tissues
• implantable biosensors
• tissue engineering
• pharmaco-chemical transport in the body

This research is relevant to important medical problems such as diabetes, myocardial infarction, cerebral stroke, hypertension, atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease, blood disease, lung diseases, resuscitation, cancer, orthopedic disorders, and sports injuries. The aim of bioengineering research and education is to bring engineering thinking and methods to bear on these problems, with the ultimate goal of providing approaches for effective prevention, early diagnosis, and successful intervention. The scope of the program has extended to include new thrusts and faculty appointments in molecular biomechanics and bioinformatics with pending expansion in systems engineering approaches to functional genomics.