Tissue Mechanics Lab

Bone is a dynamic tissue that adapts its composition and structure to the loads it experiences during habitual physical activity. Our research combines biomechanical experimentation with medical imaging and computational modeling to examine skeletal adaptation and fragility in response to extreme conditions of mechanical disuse (e.g., astronauts and people on bed rest) and mechanical overuse (e.g., athletes and military personnel). The knowledge generated from this work may be used to develop diagnostic and preventive measures to improve bone quality and decrease fracture risk.