Jonathan Vande Geest, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, The University of Arizona 

Friday, September 5th @ 10AM
U.A. Whitaker Biomedical Engineering - Room 1103
Video Conference: Emory HSRB - Room E182 & TEP 104

Abstract:

There is a dynamic and complex relationship between the function of a soft tissue and its load-dependent extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. In many cases ECM remodeling may also play an important role in the pathogenesis and exacerbation of human disease. In this presentation the relationship between the ECM microstructure of a soft tissue and its resulting mechanical properties will be highlighted in the context of aortic aneurysm, vascular tissue engineering, and vocal fold paralysis. Novel optomechanical devices will be described that have been specifically designed to nondestructively investigate the complex structure-function relationships of soft tissues involved in these pathologies. These devices combine standard biomechanical testing approaches with nonlinear optical microscopy techniques (e.g., the second harmonic signal of collagen) to quantify the microstructural organization of soft tissues during mechanical deformation. Such information will be useful for the development of novel constitutive relationships for soft tissues that further elucidate human disease. Future research in the STBL will also be discussed that is aimed at developing novel experimental and computational approaches for better understanding the complex mechanobiological environment of soft tissues in tissue growth and remodeling. Faculty Host: Ross Ethier

Learn more about Jonathan Vande Geest, Ph.D.

Research & Interests:
Ocular Biomechanics, Vascular Biomechanics, Matrix Mechanobiology, Tissue Engineering