Research Interests

Research focus: Our lab investigates how cells generate, interpret, and use mechanical signals to regulate their behavior. Mechanical signals underlie most fundamental cellular processes. Without them, cells would be unable to divide, change shape, move, or even form multicellular tissues. We are particularly interested in the actin cytoskeleton and its associated binding proteins and motors which drive the majority of these processes. Our primary approach leverages high-resolution quantitative microscopy in conjunction with techniques like optogenetics and micro patterning.