Research Collaboration

Research collaborations between the Orthopaedic Mechanobiology Lab and other groups both within the University of Maryland System and with other institutions are actively pursued to promote an inter-disciplinary approach to complex research questions. Collaborations allow our researchers access to cutting edge technology, as well as exposure to clinical problems seen on a day-to-day basis.

Currently a strong collaboration exists with the Orthopaedic Surgery Department at the University of Maryland Medical System. In the Fall of 2005, a commitment was made between the OML and the Department of Orthopaedics. Through this commitment, biomechanical testing equipment will be located in th OML at College park, and will be available to graduate students from UMCP, as well as residents, fellows, and surgeons from the Orthopaedics department. The new facility will serve as a catalyst for future joint research endeavors, and keep researchers on the cutting edge of technology. For more information on research interests of the Orthopaedics Department, click here...

Another research collaboration exists with Prof. Miao Yu's lab in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Together with Dr. Yu, we are working on developing and implementing microscopic sensors small enough to measure intradiscal pressure in rodent discs.

Preliminary work has begun using quantum dots produced in Dr. Min Ouyang's Lab, in the Department of Physics. Dr. Ouyang's group designs and produces functionalized nanoparticles that can be used in biological systems for detection and/or delivery of bioactive molecules.

Work with Dr. Greg Payne, from the Center for Biosystems Research in the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute involves the study of how substrate composition, architecture, and material properties regulate cellular mechanotransduction processes.