CAREER: The Relationship between Material Mechanics, Cellular Mechanics, and Heart Valve Disease: An Integrated Plan for Research Discovery and Promotion of Science Literacy

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Masters0547374The goal of this project is to describe the relationship between biomaterial mechanical properties, cellular contractility, and the emergence of a diseased phenotype in heart valve interstitial cells. This project will provide a better understanding of the mechanical stresses that result in heart valve remodeling and the proteins involved. In the long term, the results from this project may lead to better monitoring and prevention of heart valve disease, which is a significant health problem. The educational goal is to increase science literacy and reach out to a broad range of students and colleagues. The educational component will motivate and enable scientists and non-scientists to engage in lifelong learning. The outreach activities will be at a local high school and potential scientists. A new course in "Politics, Ethics, Propaganda, and Current Issues in Biomedical Engineering" will be developed.