Bioengineering Laboratories and Research Groups
The following is a list of major bioengineering laboratories belonging to full-time and jointly-appointed department faculty, followed by a selection of laboratories belonging to graduate program faculty members. We recommend that you contact affiliate faculty and graduate program faculty members directly for information about their labs.
Core Faculty Labs
The Balaras Group
P.I.: Associate Professor Elias Balaras
E-mail: balaras@umd.edu
Location: 2246 Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building
Web Site: www.bioe.umd.edu/~balaras/
The Balaras Group's current research program focuses on the development of robust numerical techniques for parallel, large-scale simulations of multiscale, multiphysics problems in physical and biological systems. Emphasis is given to large-eddy and direct numerical simulations, fluid-structure interactions and biological fluid dynamics. Current topics include multiscale modeling of intracranial aneurysms, insect flight biomechanics, large-eddy simulation of turbulent flows with dynamically moving boundaries, turbulence in the cardiovascular circulation, and the fluid mechanics of mayfly naiads.
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Bio-Imaging and Machine Vision Laboratory
P.I.: Professor Yang Tao
E-mail: ytao@umd.edu
Location: 0508 Animal Science/Agricultural Engineering Building
Web Site: www.bioe.umd.edu/facstaff/tao/html/research.html
The Bio-Imaging and Machine Vision Laboratory develops machine vision and bioimaging technologies for biomedical, biomaterial, and food engineering applications. Current projects include automated X-ray and laser imaging to detect bones, hyperspectral and infrared imaging for defect detection, multi-modality imaging to assess vascularity in Kaposi’s sarcoma, ultra-low-dose X-ray multi-slice helical CT, and prospective head movement correction for high resolution MRI using an optical tracking system.
Biomolecular and Metabolic Engineering Laboratories
P.I.: Professor William Bentley
E-mail: bentley@umd.edu
Location: 6142 Plant Sciences Building
Web Site: http://www.bioe.umd.edu/~bentley
The Biomolecular and Metabolic Engineering Laboratories employ the tools of "functional" genomics to understand the regulation of genetic circuits during applied stresses. In particular, DNA microarrays are used for analyzing gene expression on a global basis. This, coupled with transcriptional promoter probes, quantitative RT-PCR, Northern and Western analyses ultimately enables close to real time detection of gene expression in targeted circuits. The group is currently focusing on stress-related and nutritionally- regulated pathways such as those involving s32, sS,and sN. The group's objective is to alter the intracellular environment to improve cellular processes, including the production of recombinant proteins. It is also developing new analytical tools to monitor gene expression both in vivo and in vitro.
Biophotonic Imaging Laboratory
P.I.: Assistant Professor Yu Chen
E-mail: yuchen@umd.edu
Location: 2334 Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building
The main research thrust of the Biophotonics Imaging Laboratory is to develop multi-scale, multi-modality optical imaging technology with a particular focus on early cancer detection and neuroimaging. Its goal is to non-invasively image tissue morphology and function at the cellular and molecular level to provide early diagnostic information and real-time guidance of therapeutic interventions.
Drug Delivery and Biomaterials Engineering Laboratory
P.I.: Associate Professor Bruce Yu
E-mail: byu@rx.umaryland.edu
Location: 2334 Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building
The Drug Delivery and Biomaterials Engineering Laboratory works on enabling technologies for personalized drug
delivery and force-sensitive nano-netwroks for non-invasive in vivo
force measurement.
Cell Biophysics Laboratory
P.I.: Assistant Professor Helim Aranda-Espinoza
E-mail: helim@umd.edu
Location: 3135 Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building
Web Site: http://www.glue.umd.edu/~helim
The Cell Biophysics Laboratory applies the theoretical and experimental machinery of physics and engineering to obtain a quantitative understanding of specific problems inspired by biological systems. The group studies the mechanics and motility of healthy cells, as well as those of cells with pathological conditions. Of particular interest for the group is to understand how the mechanical environment dictates cell functions.
Functional Macromolecular Laboratory
P.I.: Professor Peter Kofinas
E-mail: kofinas@umd.edu
Location: 1211-1213 Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building
Web Site: www.bioe.umd.edu/~kofinas
The Functional Macromolecular Laboratory focuses on the synthesis, characterization and processing of novel polymer-based nanostructured systems used in a variety of technological fields, ranging from medicine and pharmaceuticals to energy storage and microelectronics. The lab features a comprehensive set of characterization equipment for polymer mechanical, thermal, dielectric, conductive properties. Current projects include the design of polymers, hydrogels, and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for use in blood-coagulation, intelligent food packaging capable of detecting pathogenic bacteria, hemodialysis, vaccine production, the selective binding of viruses and proteins, and electrolytes for flexible batteries and energy storage systems.
The Herold Lab
P.I.: Professor Keith Herold
E-mail: herold@umd.edu
Location: 2204 Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Building
Web Site: www.bioe.umd.edu/~herold/
Associate Professor Keith Herold joined the University of Maryland's Department of Mechanical Engineering in 1987, where his research focused on energy systems and absorption refrigeration. In 2000, he shifted his focus to bioengineering and began exploring biosensors, microarrays, and related lab-on-a-chip technologies. In 2006 he joined the newly formed Fischell Department of Bioengineering, where his work in these areas continues. His current research projects include collaborations with the FDA on a DNA-based pathogen biosensor, and with electrophysiologists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine on the analysis of patients suffering from ventricular tachycardia.
Human Performance Laboratory
P.I.: Professor Art Johnson
E-mail: artjohns@umd.edu
Location: 0534 Animal Science/Agricultural Engineering Building
Web Site: www.bioe.umd.edu/~artjohns/hpl/
The Human Performance Laboratory focuses on computer-based communication, monitoring and testing devices aimed at evaluating and understanding the cognitive, motor, and psychomotor skills of workers who use respiratory equipment. The lab's goal is to improve performance and safety for those in potentially hazardous occupations such as emergency rescue, manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and landscaping. The HPL is also developing new, noninvasive ways to evaluate respiratory health in adults and children.
Model Analysis Laboratory
P.I.: Associate Professor Hubert Montas
E-mail: montas@umd.edu
Location: 0501 Animal Science/Agricultural Engineering Building
The Model Analysis Laboratory researches spatial analysis and control of active and passive biological agents in dynamic, intensive and extensive, heterogeneous bioenvironments. Analytical and numerical computational devices are developed within deterministic and stochastic frameworks, coupled with artificial intelligence tools and integrated into multi-dimensional spatial databases to form Decision Support Systems (DSS) aimed at designing strategies for analyzing and controlling the dynamics of nutrients, drugs, toxins and active bioagents from the scale of individual cells through tissues and organs to urban landscapes, watersheds and broad geographical regions. Current projects in biomedical, bioenvironmental and ecological engineering areas include: estimation of in-vivo cellular transport parameters by inverse modeling; multi-continuum and stochastic modeling of wetland function; spatial control of Canada Goose in the Washington DC region; development and application of embedded LISP-based microncontrolled devices for smart biomonitoring and control.
Molecular Mechanics Laboratory
P.I.: Assistant Professor Joonil Seog
E-mail: jseog@umd.edu
Location: 2204 Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Building
The Molecular Mechanics Laboratory focuses on investigating molecular level interactions using high resolution force microscopy. Atomic force microscopy and optical tweezers are utilized to understand protein-protein interactions, the nanomechanics of macromolecules, and the structure-function relationship of biological molecules. Current research projects are focused on understanding molecular mechanism of protein aggregation disease, DNA-biomaterial interaction, and self-assembling peptides. Understanding the nature of these interactions will allow us to design novel biomaterials with well-defined nanostructural properties that will be useful for biomedical and nanobiotechnology applications.
The Muro Group
P.I.: Assistant Professor Silvia Muro
E-mail: muro@umbi.umd.edu
Location: 5115 Plant Science Building
The Muro Group focuses on developing means to target cells located at sites of disease in the body with nano-scale carriers that are able to use endocytic pathways, natural processes where cells engulf substances in their outer membrane and then bring the surrounded materials into their interior. Using analytical and biological tools, microscopy imaging and radioisotope tracing in cell and animal models, site-specific platforms are designed to facilitate the transport of the therapeutic agents with organ, cellular, and sub-cellular precision.
Neuromuscular Bioengineering Laboratory
P.I.: Assistant Professor Sameer Shah
E-mail: sameer@umd.edu
Location: 3131 Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building
Web Site: www.bioe.umd.edu/~sameer
The Neuromuscular Bioengineering Laboratory studies the function, dysfunction, and plasticity of the nervous and muscular systems. The lab utilizes a variety of computational and experimental methods to study these systems at the molecular, cell, and tissue scales.
Orthopaedic Mechanobiology Laboratory
P.I.: Assistant Professor Adam Hsieh
E-mail: hsieh@umd.edu
Location: 3237H Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building
Web Site: www.bioe.umd.edu/orthomechlab/
The main research thrust of the Orthopaedic Mechanobiology Lab is to elucidate how specific exposures of mechanical stress in musculoskeletal tissues contribute to health and disease, with a particular focus on intervertebral discs of the spine. Its goal is to understand how the cellular and tissue mechanical environment modulates biological response, so that preventive and therapeutic strategies against musculoskeletal disorders can be developed.
Photonic Biosensors Laboratory
P.I.: Assistant Professor Ian White
E-mail: ianwhite@umd.edu
Location: 2334 Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building
The aim of the Photonic Biosensors Laboratory to develop tools for the diagnosis and study of disease at the molecular level using highly-integrated biosensing techniques. Current work includes the development new photonic-based sensing platforms optimized for lab-on-a-chip integration.
Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Laboratory
P.I.: Associate Professor John Fisher
E-mail: jpfisher@umd.edu
Location: 3237 Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building
Web Site: www.bioe.umd.edu/~jpfisher
The Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Laboratory uses the principles of both engineering and life sciences to develop biomaterials that improve the quality of life of ill or injured patients. The lab is used to fabricate polymers into easily implantable biomaterials by first synthesizing novel hydrolytically degradable biomaterials. Molecular and cellular biology principles are then incorporated to understand the interaction of cells, tissues, and higher life systems with these novel biomaterials. Areas of focus in the lab include the study of biomaterials for the delivery of therapeutics, scaffolds for orthopedic tissue engineering applications, and the interaction of biomaterials and tissues.
A Selection of Graduate Program Faculty Labs
Control of Micro and Nano-Scale Systems Laboratory
P.I.: Associate Professor Benjamin Shapiro
Aerospace Engineering/Institute for Systems Research (ISR)
E-mail: benshap@umd.edu
Location: 3178 Glenn L. Martin Hall
Web Site: www.controlofmems.umd.edu
Modeling, design, and control of micro- and nano-scale systems and flows for bio-chemical and clinical applications. The Shapiro Group chooses applications where control can dramatically improve or allow new capabilities, and focuses on areas that will allow better diagnosis and treatment of people. Current projects range from precision and gentle control of individual cells on chip, e.g. for cell handling, sorting, and complex sample preparation, to control of magnetic nano-particles in people, for drug delivery to the inner ear and to primary and metastatic tumors. (Above: Feedback control of magnetic fields to focus chemotherapy coated nano-particles to deep tissue tumors.)
The Ear Lab
P.I.: Assistant Research Professor Didier A. Depireux
Institute for Systems Research; Adjunct, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Maryland Baltimore
E-mail: depireux@gmail.com
Location: 0107 Engineering Annex (at A.V. Williams)
Web Site: www.theearlab.org
With grant support from the Department of Defense, The Ear Lab measures the changes, at the level of the activity of single neurons over many weeks, that are correlated with the induction of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) following noise trauma. Specifically, the research uses behavioral measures to verify the emergence of tinnitus post-trauma, chronic electrode arrays to measure the activity of large populations of neurons before and after induction of tinnitus, and post-mortem immunocytochemical methods to uncover permanent changes in the brain. The Ear Lab wants to explore new drug delivery methods that might prevent the induction of or provide relief from tinnitus, a common affliction that has received very little scientific attention until recently.
Laboratory for MicroTechnologies
P.I.: Professor Elisabeth Smela
Mechanical Engineering
E-mail: smela@umd.edu
Location: 2176 Martin Hall
Web Site: www.smela.umd.edu
The Laboratory for MicroTechnologies focuses on developing new technologies at the micro-scale that combine conventional inorganic materials and devices with organic, polymeric, and biological materials or living cells. Group members work in the area of cell-based sensing, in close collaboration with Professor Abshire, in which cells are cultured onto CMOS/MEMS devices and monitored using a range of sensing modalities. One application is an olfactory sensory neuron based bionose-on-a-chip. Associated technologies include microfluidics and dielectrophoresis (DEP). The group also has extensive experience with polymeric "artificial muscles," including microfabricated conjugated polymer actuators, dielectric elastomer actuators, and a new type of hydraulic "nastic" actuator. In addition, lab members are developing compliant electrodes for use with these actuators and flexible electronics. The lab features equipment for driving and characterizing actuators, for characterizing thin films, and for handling cells.
Maryland MEMS & Microfluidics Laboratory
P.I.: Professor Don DeVoe
Mechanical Engineering
E-mail: ddev@umd.edu
Location: 3126 Glenn L Martin Hall
Web Site: mems.umd.edu
Maryland MEMS & Microfluidics Laboratory researchers investigate microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip systems for improving human health. Major research thrusts include multidimensional biomolecular separation platform for high throughput biomarker and drug target discovery, interfaces coupling microfluidics to mass spectrometry, integrated ion channel sensing systems, multi-scale systems enabling new modes of nanoparticle drug encapsulation and delivery, and novel polymer micro/nanofluidic fabrication technologies. MML research also encompasses silicon MEMS, with an emphasis on piezoelectric microsystems, as well as the integration of silicon MEMS with microfluidic systems.
MEMS Sensors and Actuators Laboratory (MSAL)
P.I. Professor Reza Ghodssi
Electrical & Computer Engineering/Institute for Systems Research
E-mail: ghodssi@umd.edu
Location: 2201 J. M. Patterson Building
Web Site: www.ece.umd.edu/mems
The MEMS Sensors and Actuators Laboratory (MSAL) focuses on the design, fabrication, and testing of self-sustaining adaptive integrated bio-microsystems for chemical and biological sensing. The devices are designed using a variety of both in-house and commercial simulation software packages and developed utilizing state-of-the-art micro and nano fabrication and characterization techniques. Current projects include microfluidic-based opto-mechanical platforms for monitoring bacterial quorum sensing, next generation battery and fuel cell devices using the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), and integrated III-V optical microsystems for chemical vapor sensing.
Soil and Water Engineering Laboratory
Water Quality Laboratory
P.I.: Professor Adel Shirmohammadi
E-mail: ashirmo@umd.edu
Location: 0518 and 0517 Animal Science/Agricultural Engineering Building
The Soil and Water Engineering Laboratory and the Water Quality Laboratory use modeling as a tool to predict movement of pesticides and nutrients from watersheds in response to hydrological events, predict ground water pollution, and prevent nutrient movement into ground and surface water systems. Field and watershed scale monitoring is used to develop and to validate mathematical models for identifying best management practices. Other research conducted in the labs includes interfacing nonpoint source pollution models with geographic information systems (GIS) for pollution identification and management. Both physical and empirical based transport modeling is used to identify transport pathway and quantify chemical transport. Dr. Shrimohammadi’s group is also using ANN (Artificial Neural Network) modeling to forecast regional groundwater fluctuations. They are involved in quantification of watershed scale mathematical model’s output uncertainty due to uncertainty in input parameter values using Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) with Constrained Monte Carlo stochastic approach. Their watershed scale modeling has extended to establish the relationship between the groundwater quality and childhood cancer (e.g., luekimia, bone, lymphoma, and brain). The overall goal of these labs is to create healthy ecosystem as a preventive measure for human health.
