Members

Principal Investigator

Developing the fundamental design principles involved in bio-adhesion, achieve translation to synthetic systems, and pioneer a systems approach to wet bonding that spans nano- to macroscale dimensions.

Graduate Students

Investigating mechanical behavior of the byssal thread through experiments and modeling o further understand the viscoelastic properties.

Investigating correlations between structure, mechanics and biochemistry in the tough egg capsules of elasmobranchs.

Exploring byssus structure and physical properties in mytilus californianus.

Investigating metal-mediated interactions at the interface using a combination of atomic force microscopy, quartz crystal microbalance and Raman spectroscopy. Information gained from this research may provide a platform for the development of mechanically robust, biocompatible materials.

Developing mussel-inspired peptide and peptoid mimics.

Alumni

Using protein chemistry to characterize native proteins used in mussel adhesive plaques.

Structure and mechanics of mussel byssus and creation of tough synthetic elastomers

Understanding how the chemistry, component and structure of the mussel cuticle affects its function as a potential inspiration for development of future robust material.

Investigating catechol reactions by electrochemistry and exploring the role of coacervates on adhesion and chemical composition of mussel adhesive plaques under different conditions.

My research focuses on linking mussel adhesion properties to the mechanical profile of the substrate. These investigations involve morphological and structural examinations on a macro- and nanoscale, as well as screening and mapping protein expression. 

Characterization of α,β- dehydro-Dopa properties.

Using mechanical testing and microscopy to understand mechanisms of energy dissipation in the native mussel plaque.

Constructing a synthetic platform for transforming mussel wet glue and thread mechanics/micro-structures at multiple length/time scales.