Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Research focus on is on how cell mechanics can play a role in determining whether cells adhere or not in physiological functions such as inflammation. Optical forces generated by lasers can be used to deform cells and measure their mechanical properties. Applies computer simulation based on physical laws to investigate how applied forms of adhesive molecules and optics (lasers) cause cells to deform. Lab and collaborators have developed software to calculate for the first time how the optical forces on a cell from a laser diode bar evolve with time. Member of the Diversity Council and the Latino/Hispanic Faculty Association.