REU Site: A Multiscale Approach to Biomechanics

技术总结生物力学研究的多尺度方法将帮助学生了解健康、损伤和疾病的基本生物过程。该REU计划的总体研究目标是研究结构的力学性能，范围从亚细胞组件，如细胞骨架结构，到组织性能的量化和全身分析。学生将参与利用各种实验和计算方法来量化和转换结构的力学特性的研究。预期的影响是向学生展示生物力学是如何成为当前跨越许多空间尺度的多学科研究主题：细胞内和细胞外基质；以及组织、器官和多器官系统。本课程的教育部分以生物学和力学之间的联系为中心，从某种意义上讲，它讨论了由物理刺激引发的组织固有的生物变化。学生将发展科学技能，接触到新的和令人兴奋的研究途径，并有机会做出明智的决定，获得演讲和写作经验。本项目由国家科学基金工程教育部和中心主办。非技术性总结生物机械工程的定义是将机械工程应用于生物系统，如人体。生物力学研究的多尺度方法将帮助学生了解健康、损伤和疾病的基本生物过程。从生物力学研究中获得的知识可以转化为帮助预防、诊断和治疗人类伤害和疾病。该项目的目标是培养生物机械工程专业的本科生，并向他们介绍该学科的前沿研究领域。这些年轻的研究人员将完全融入参与的研究小组，并将体验动手实验室研究、小组会议以及与小组其他成员和相关研究小组的密切合作，这将建立信心和独立性。工程专业本科生将从美国各地招收，来自代表性不足群体的学生将受到极大欢迎。计划的影响是向学生展示生物力学是如何成为当前跨越许多空间尺度的多学科研究主题：从研究细胞内的过程到调查对人体整体的影响。学生将接触到多尺度生物力学研究如何转化为预防、诊断和治疗人类伤害和疾病的新设备。

TECHNICAL SUMMARYA multiscale approach to biomechanical research will help students understand fundamental biological processes in health, injury and disease. The overall research goal of this REU program is to investigate the mechanical properties of structures ranging from subcellular components such as cytoskeleton structures to the quantification of tissues properties and whole body analysis. Students will participate in studies that utilize a variety of experimental and computational approaches to quantify and translate the mechanical properties of structures. The intended impact is to show students how biomechanics is a current multidisciplinary research theme which crosses many spatial scales: intracellular and extracellular matrices; and tissue, organ, and multi-organ systems. The educational component of this program is centered on the link between biology and mechanics in the sense that it discusses the tissue-inherent biological changes triggered by physical stimuli. Students will develop scientific skills, be exposed to new and exciting avenues of research, and have the opportunity to make informed decisions and gain presentation and writing experience. This program is sponsored by the Division of Engineering Education and Centers of the National Science Foundation.NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARYBiomechanical engineering is defined as the application of mechanical engineering to biological systems such as the human body. A multiscale approach to biomechanical research will help students understand fundamental biological processes in health, injury and disease. Knowledge gained from biomechanical studies can be translated to help protect against, diagnosis and treating human injury and disease. The objectives of this program are to educate undergraduate students in biomechanical engineering and introduce them to cutting edge research areas in the subject. The young researchers will be fully integrated into the participating research groups and will experience hands-on lab research, group meetings, and close collaboration with the other members of the group and related research groups which builds confidence and independence.Undergraduate engineering students will be recruited from across the U.S and students from underrepresented groups will be highly sought. The intended impact is to show students how biomechanics is a current multidisciplinary research theme which crosses many spatial scales: ranging from examining processes inside cells to investigating effects on the human body as a whole. Students will be exposed to how multiscale biomechanical research can translate into novel devices for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human injury and disease.