Don A. Baldwin, Ph.D. Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Director, Penn Microarray Facility University of Pennsylvania The Penn Microarray Facility provides transcript profiling services to the Penn community using several commercial nad custom microarray platforms. Dr. Baldwin's research interests include genomics of plant: pathogen interactions and transcription regulation by chromatic remodeling. More Kenneth A. Barbee, Ph.D. Associate Professor School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems Drexel University Role of mechanical forces in normal physiology and Chronic & acute pathophysiology. Current projects use in vitro cell culture models to study the response of endothelium to dynamic shear stress, the contribution of vascular smooth muscle injury ot restenosis following angioplasty, and the cellular mechanisms of central nervous system trauma. More John L. Bassani, Ph.D. Richard H. and S.L. Gabel Professor Mechanical Engineering Chair, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics University of Pennsylvania Interface mechanics - the relationship between discrete and continuum properties of heterogenous solids; Plastic deformation of crystals; Fracture mechanics along interfaces between ductile and brittle solids under mixed-mode loading (tension vs. shear) and high-temperature conditions. Haim H. Bau, Ph.D. Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics University of Pennsylvania Microfluidics and lab on a chip technology: Development of microfluidic devices for biosensing; the use of electric and magnetic fields to transport and stir liquids and particles; the modeling of mass transport and biological interactions in microfluidic systems. More Ian A. Blair, Ph.D. A.N. Richards Professor of Pharmacology Director of the Center for Cancer Pharmacology University of Pennsylvania Dr. Blair was recruited to the University of Pennsylvania in January 1997 from Vanderbilt University. He holds an endowed chair as the A.N. Richards Professor of Pharmacology and is Director of the Center for Cancer Pharmacology. Dr Blair's current research is involved with the development of molecular biomarkers to elucidate mechanisms of carcinogenesis with particular emphasis on lipid peroxidation. More David E. Boettiger, Ph.D. Professor Department of Microbiology University of Pennsylvania Analysis of cell adhesion; Adhesion mediated control of cell cycle; src oncogene. More Dawn A. Bonnell, Ph.D. Professor Department of Materials Science University of Pennsylvania Nanometer scale phenomena at Interfaces; atomic imaging; STM image theory of oxides; calculation of tunneling spectra; electronic structure and bonding related to nm variation in optical, magnetic, electrical, and mechanical properties; in situ nanoscale electromagnetic fields during device operation; local polarization and charge compensation in ferroelectric nanostructures; charge mediated assembly of nanoelectronics; nanoscale templating and biomolecular response function. More Lawrence F. Brass, M.D., Ph.D. Professor Department of Medicine Department of Pathology Department of Pharmacology University of Pennsylvania Molecular mechanisms underlying vascular biology and pathology, in particular, the signal transduction pathways that allow platelets and endothelial cells to respond to extracellular events. Topics currently under investigation include: Protease-activated G protein coupled receptors, including the thrombin receptor; The role of the G protein, Gz; The role of the prototypical PH-domain-containing protein, pleckstrin; The role in platelet activation and endothelial cell biology of Eph tyrosine kinase receptors and their ligands, and their potential role in interactions between platelets, endothelial cells and leukocytes in the vascular wall. More Gershon Buchsbaum, Ph.D. Professor Department of Bioengineering University of Pennsylvania Human visual perception; visual signal processing and image coding. Modeling of retinal visual system neural architecture and function. Christopher S. Chen , Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Bioengineering University of Pennsylvania Dr. Chen is interested in Engineering cells and cellular microenvironments; Micro/Nanotechnology in biomedical applications; Cell Mechanics and Mechanotransduction; Cell adhesion; Angiogenesis; Stem Cell Differentiation. More Yongwon Choi, Ph.D. Professor Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of Pennsylvania Dr. Choi's is interested in the molecular analysis of the osteoimmune system. His research focuses on two cell types: dendritic cells and osteoclasts. Specifically, he investigates the ways in which dendritic cells regulate T cell activation or tolerance, and how osteoclasts differentiate from their precursors and mature osteoclasts are activated to resorb bone. Finally, Dr. Choi's lab is interested in how bone and the immune system cross-talk with each other. More Mortimer M. Civan, M.D. Professor Department of Physiology University of Pennsylvania The mechanisms of movement of solutes and water across epithelial membranes, the regulation of that movement and the clinical implications of altering the underlying mechanisms and regulation. Our current focus is on the mecanisms and regulation of aqueous humor inflow into, and exit from, the eye, and their implications for the treatment of glaucoma. More Russell J. Composto, Ph.D. Associate Professor Undergraduate Chair, Materials Science and Engineering Department of Computer and Information Science University of Pennsylvania Polymer surface and interface phenomena; Polymeric and ceramic coatings; Surface engineering in polymer blends via polymer adsorption, segregation and ion beam stitching; Thermodynamics and dynamics of macromolecules in confined spaces; stability of thin film coatings. John C. Crocker, Ph.D. Skirkanich Assistant Professor Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering University of Pennsylvania My research interests lie in biophysics, at the border between molecular and cellular biology with soft condensed matter physics. My group's expertise lies in figuring out how to make careful mechanical measurements on very small objects; to figure out what's going on in the micro-world. We use novel physical methods to probe interesting biological systems such as the cytoskeleton and complex macromolecules. Alternatively, we can use the power of biological systems to build interesting soft-matter experiments and engineer useful devices. More Susan B. Davidson, Ph.D. Professor Department of Computer and Information Science University of Pennsylvania Databases; data models and languages, complex object systems, database transformations, data integration, data warehousing, transactions and updates, constraints, biomedical databases. Peter F. Davies, Ph.D. Director, Institute for Medicine and Engineering Robinette Foundation Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine Professor, Department of Bioengineering University of Pennsylvania Effects of hemodynamic forces on endothelial cell structure and function; vascular biology; pathology of atherosclerosis; vascular cell-cell communication. More William F. Degrado, Ph.D. Professor Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics University of Pennsylvania Protein structure and folding; protein design; peptide design and conformational analysis; cellular adhesion molecules; chemical and biological diversity libraries; bioinorganic chemistry. More Natacha DePaola, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Biomedical Engineering Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY Biofluid Dynamics, Cell Mechanics, and Cell and Tissue Engineering. Fundamental aspects of fluid mechanics and mass transport involved in the modulation of mammalian cell function, with special attention to the cells in the arterial circulation. Development of experimental models and theoretical analysis that describe the dynamic process occurring at the arterial surface in early atherosclerosis. More Scott L. Diamond, Ph.D. Professor Departments of Chemical Engineering Director, Biotechnology Program University of Pennsylvania Endothelial cell mechano-biology; drug and gene delivery; thrombosis and thrombolysis; biotransport phenomena. More Dennis E. Discher, Ph.D. Associate Professor Departments of Mechanical Engineering & Applied Mechanics & Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering University of Pennsylvania Biomembrane mechanics, particularly blood cells and muscle cells; structural molecular mechanochemistry - biochemical and biophysical methods; statistical mechanics of networks and polymers - computational emphasis; biomechanics from the molecular through the mesoscale to the continuum. More Ivan J. Dmochowski, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Chemistry Bioinorgaic, Bioorganic, Biophysical Chemistry Our lab is developing chemical and biophysical tools to study and manipulate complex biological systems. Projects span many areas of synthetic organic, inorganic, and biophysical chemistry; molecular, cell, and developmental biology; and bioengineering. We are particularly interested in developing new technologies for biomolecular imaging and the fabrication of functional bio-nanomaterials.More Paul Ducheyne, Ph.D. Professor Department of Bioengineering Department of Orthopedic Surgery University of Pennsylvania Biomaterials and Tissues Engineering; in vitro synthesis of bone tissue; controlled release of growth factors and effect of material selection; bioactive ceramics; surface analysis, electro chemistry and biocompatability of metallic biomaterials. James H. Eberwine, Ph.D. Professor Department of Pharmacology Department of Psychiatry University of Pennsylvania Basic mechanisms of neuronal plasticity using rat and mouse models; use of molecular biological approaches to understand the etiology and maintenance of human neurological and psychiatric diseases. David Eckmann, Ph.D., M.D. Associate Professor Department of Anesthesia University of Pennsylvania Convection-diffusion interactions, interfacial dynamics and mass transport in cardiopulmonary biofluid dynamics applications such as intravascular gas embolism and pulmonary gas transport. The work invloves bench experimentation, in vitro and in vivo physiology, and computational mathematical modeling.More Information Dawn M. Elliott, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Research Assistant Professor Department of Bioengineering University of Pennsylvania Biomechanical function of orthopaedic soft tissues in health, aging, degeneration, injury and healing, with special focus on the intervertebral disc. Mathematical models and mechanical tests in combination with biochemical composition and microstructural measurements for studies of complex material behaviors of tissues, including anisotropy, nonlinearity, inhomogeneity, and viscoelasticity of tendon, ligament, meniscus, and articular cartilage. More Jonathon A. Epstein, M.D. Professor and Chair Department of Cell & Developmental Biology The genetic and molecular processes that regulate cardiac formation and function, with special attention to the pathways likely to be disrupted in human congenital heart disease, specifically, the transcriptional mechanisms of members of the Pax family of transcription factors. Stephane Evoy, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering Dynamics, nanostructural science, and technological deployment of monolithic and molecular nanomechanical systems. Integration of NEMS in RF integrated circuits and nanosensors. Leif H. Finkel, Ph.D. Professor of Bioengineering University of Pennsylvania Neuroengineering; computer simulations of visual cortex directed towards understanding mechanisms of visual perception and detailed models of the hippocampus focused on memory and Alzheimer's disease. Aron B. Fisher, Ph.D. Director, Institute for Environmental Medicine Professor of Physiology and Environmental Medicine, and Medicine University of Pennsylvania Membrane protein and phospholipid trafficking in lung epithelial cells; control of lung lipoprotein synthesis and secretion; lipid and protein oxidation in ischemia-reperfusion injury. More Garret FitzGerald, M.D. Chair, Department of Pharmacology Professor, Cardiovascular Medicine Professor, Medicine and Pharmacology Director, Center for Experimental Therapeutics Director, Clinical Research Center University of Pennsylvania Isoeicosanoids; Eicosanoid Receptor Biology; The Pharmacology of Cyclooxygenase Inhibition; The Pharmacology of Antithrombotic Drugs. More Makoto Funaki, M.D., Ph.D. Research Assistant Professor Department of Pharmacology University of Pennsylvania Our research is focused on 1) the role of phosphoinositide metabolism and the cytoskeletons in regulating GLUT4 recruitment to the plasma membrane and activation at the plasma membrane, and 2) mechanotransduction to regulate proliferation/differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. More Yale E. Goldman, M.D., Ph.D. Director, Pennsylvania Muscle Institute Co-Director, Nano/Bio Interface Center Professor of Physiology University of Pennsylvania The molecular mechanism of muscle contraction, cell motility and motor proteins. Techniques being developed for organized macromolecular assemblies include rapid reaction kinetics, dynamic structural spectroscopy and time resolved electron microscopy. More Mark Goulian, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Physics and Astronomy University of Pennsylvania Dr. Goulian joined the Physics department at Penn in August 2000 from the Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics at Rockefeller University. His research is focused on two-component signaling in bacteria. Dr. Goulian is exploring the regulation of endogenous cross-talk between signaling modules, the evolvability of two-component systems, and the implementation of synthetic signaling networks. More Daniel A. Hammer Ph.D. Professor Department of Bioengineering University of Pennsylvania Cellular bioengineering, cell adhesion in inflammation, angiogenesis and cardiovascular disease, mechanisms of viral entry, materials design for drug delivery in the microcirculation. More Erika Holbaur, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Physiology University of Pennsylvania Our laboratory is focused on the microtubule-based motor cytoplamic dynein and its activator dynactin. We are interested in the mechanisms of force production and motor function, mechanisms of cargo coupling and regulation, effects of dynein and dynactin on dynamics of the cytoskeleton, and the analysis of neurodegenerative dieseases resulting from impariments in dynein/dynactin function. More Howard H. Hu, Ph.D. Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering & Applied Mechanics University of Pennsylvania Modeling of complex flows with multiphase of polymeric fluids, computational fluid dynamics, hydrodynamic stability. More Paul Janmey, Ph.D. Professor Department of Physiology University of Pennsylvania Cell mechanics and the cytoskeleton; Signaling by inositol phospholipids; Hydrodynamics of biological macromolecules; Mechanism of protein self-assembly. More Peter Lloyd Jones, Ph.D. Asociate Professor Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine University of Pennsylvania Dr. Jones' research is centred upon understanding the regulation and functions of the extracellular matrix in vascular development and disease, with special emphasis on the transcriptional control of tenascin-C gene expression. More Mark Kahn, M.D. Assistant Professor Department of Medicine Division of Cardiology University of Pennsylvania My laboratory is focused on two recently discovered vascular roles of the Syk and SLP-76 (immunoreceptor) singnaling pathway; lymphatic vascular developmental and platelet activation by collagen during arterial thrombosis. More Randall D. Kamien, Ph.D. Professor Chair of the Graduate Group Department of Physics and Astronomy University of Pennsylvania Liquid Crystals, Biomaterials, Polymers, Topological Defects, Complex Fluids, High-Tc superconductors, disordered systems, Classical and Quantum Statistical Mechanics. More Frederick S. Kaplan, M.D. Professor Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of Pennsylvania Molecular Orthopaedics; molecular genetics of Osteogenesis; fibrodysplasia ossificans; progressiva and progressive osseous heteroplasia; the establishment of effective treatments for these currently untreatable disorders. Junhyong Kim, Ph.D. Professor Department of Biology University of Pennsylvania Evolution of gene regulation and developmental systems, computational infrastructure for deducing the tree of life, comparative genomics and molecular evolution. More Michael L. Klein, Ph.D. Director, Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter Director, Penn Center for Molecular Modeling Professor Department of Chemistry University of Pennsylvania Statistical mechanics, intermolecular interactions, computer simulation methodology, modeling of condensed phases and biophysical systems. Regulation of endothelial ion channels gating by mechanical forces: The interaction between cytoskeletal proteins and mechanosensory ion channels. The roles of cytoskeletal proteins in gating of these channels are studied using a combination of electrophysiological and visual imaging techniques. More Robert J. Levy, Ph.D. Professor Department of Pediatrics Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Site specific therapy for cardiovascular disease, focusing on valve replacement surgery, cardiac arrhythmias and post-angioplasty injury. Brian Litt, M.D. Assistant Professor Department of Medicine Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine University of Pennsylvania Dr. Litt's research focuses on his clinical work as a neurologist specializing in the care and treatment of individuals with epilepsy. Projects include: (1) Interpretation of brain signals in disease. A major thrust at this time is seizure prediction from intracranial recordings, leading to the development of an implantable brain device to predict seizures and arrest their genesis prior to their clinical expression; (2) Localization of seizures in extratemporal epilepsy; (3) Minimally invasive tools for acquisition and display of high fidelity electrophysiologic recording; and (4) automated systems for intensive monitoring neurologic function. Mitchell Litt, D. Eng, SC. Professor Department of Bioengineering University of Pennsylvania Biorheology, with special interest in the properties of mucus, blood, and other body fluids; research leading to development of diagnostic instrumentation for medicine and dentistry. More Tom C. Lubensky Professor Department of Physics University of Pennsylvania Elastic, dynamic, rheological, and statistical properties of soft materials including liquid crystals, complex fluids, polymer and biopolymer networks, and DNA-lipid complexes. More Jennifer R. Lukes, Ph.D. William K. Gemmill Term Assistant Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics University of Pennsylvania Nanoscale thermal, fluid, and mass transport; molecular dynamics simulation; laser-based materials characterization; field-directed patterning for nanofabrication; flow measurement in confined geometries; micro- and nanoscale engineering. More David Luzzi, Ph.D. Professor Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Pennsylvania Structure/Property Relationships at Nanometer Length Scales; Intermetallic Coumpounds and Composites; Interfaces: Structure, Diffusion, Phase Transformations and Mechanical Properties; Carbon Nanotubes; Electron Microscopy. More Susan S. Margulies, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Bioengineering University of Pennsylvania Influence of mechanical stimuli in brain and lung injury, soft tissue constitutive properties, non-invasive imaging techniques to measure in vivo tissue motion, computational injury modeling. More Robert L. Mauck, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Department of Bioengineering University of Pennsylvania Engineering functional equivalents for musculoskeletal tissue engineering applications with particular focus on articular cartilage and meniscus; Mesenchymal stem cell mechanobiology and signal transduction in chondrogenic differentiation; Design of novel bioreactor systems to recapitulate the complex loading environment of diarthrodial joints; Fabrication and application of anistropic nanofibrous scaffolds for directed tissue growth More Michael J. May, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Bioengineering University of Pennsylvania The principal research interest of this lab is to understand the molecular basis of signal transduction pathways that control gene expression in immune and inflammatory responses and to determine how deregulation of these mechanisms contribute to disease. Our work focuses on the inducible transcription factor NF-kB that is critical for a range of cellular functions including inflammation, innate and adaptive immunity and lymphocyte development.More David F. Meaney, Ph.D. Professor and Chair Department of Bioengineering University of Pennsylvania Mechanotransduction in cells of the CNS; Experimental and computational modeling in tissue mechanics, focusing on the brain; Applications of both approaches to central nervous system injury. Emile R. Mohler III, M.D. Assistant Professor of Medicine Director of Vascular Medicine University of Pennsylvania Health System The focus of my laboratory is in the area of vascular disease, with specific emphasis on calcification. Clinical diseases such as aortic valve stenosis and peripheral arterial disease are addressed through our research. More John M. Murray, M.D., Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Cell & Developmental Biology University of Pennsylvania Molecular motors and and mechanochemical transduction, investigated by structural studies and molecular engineering. More Vladimir Muzykantov, M.D., Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Environmental Medicine University of Pennsylvania Drug delivery in the bloodstream. Targeting of drugs, enzymes and genes to the vascular endothelium and to the lung (anti-oxidant protection, regulation of fibrinolysis and immune functions of lungs). Physiology and pathophysiology of vascular endothelium, mechanisms of oxidative injury to the endothelial cells. Endothelial surface determinants and heterogeneity. More Philip Nelson, Ph.D. Professor of Physics Department of Physics University of Pennsylvania Physics of artificial biomembranes, biopolymers such as DNA, and other "soft" condensed matter systems; nonlinear dynamics, including pattern formation; biophysical fluid dynamics. More Steven B. Nicoll, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Bioengineering University of Pennsylvania Connective tissue engineering, biomaterials, cartilage and cell biology. More Hooman Noorchashm, M.D., Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Surgery University of Pennsylvania The laboratory is focused on delineating the cellular basis of autoimmunity and organ transplant rejection. One main goal is to identify novel targets of immune modulation for the induction of tolerance in the context of both autoimmune diabetes and organ transplantation. More Michael A. Pack, M.D. Assistant Professor Department of Medicine University of Pennsylvania Work in the Pack laboratory is focused on the identification of genes that regulate digestive organ development and physiology. We work exclusively with the zebrafish system. Using a combined approach of genetic and embryological analyses, we aim to characterize novel genes or novel functions of known genes that regulate proliferation, differentiation and maintenance of epithelial cells within the pancreas, liver and intestine. George J. Pappas, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering Department of Computer and Information and Sciences University of Pennsylvania Hybrid systems, hierarchical control systems, embedded real-time systems, nonlinear systems, geometric control theory, robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles, formation control systems, distributed control of multi-agent systems. More Michael S. Parmacek, M.D. Chief, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Department of Medicine University of Pennsylvania Transcriptional programs and signaling pathways that regulate vascular smooth muscle cell and cardiac myocyte development and differentiation. More Warren S. Pear, M.D., Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine University of Pennsylvania Tumor Biology; Signal Transduction; Leukemogenesis: including Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia and myeloproliferative diseases; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology; Gene Therapy and Retroviral Targeting. More Ellen Pure, Ph.D. Professor Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program and Immunology Program The Wistar Institute The Pur⁄ laboratory is investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying inflammation, which is known to play a significant role in a wide array of diseases, including atherosclerosis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmunity, and even cancer. One closely studied molecule, CD44, may represent a promising target for new anti-inflammatory drug therapies. More Daniel J. Rader, M.D. Associate Professor Department of Medicine Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of Pennsylvania Laboratory-based research with translation into animal experiments and ultimately into patient-oriented research in the areas of lipoprotein metabolism and premature atherosclerosis. Specific topics are: Inflammatory and genetic factors that regulate the in vivo metabolism of HDL and other lipoproteins; Molecular and cellular mechanisms by which HDL-associated proteins inhibit atherogenesis and induce regression of atherosclerotic lesions; Dietary and genetic regulation of hepatic lipoprotein production; Genetic factors associated with premature atherosclerotic disease and high or low levels of HDL cholesterol. Anil K. Rustgi, M.D. Chief, Gastroenterology Division Department of Medicine University of Pennsylvania Epithelial cell differentiation and oncogenesis, molecular genetics of GI cancers (upper GI, pancreatic, colon). More Kenneth Ryan, Ph.D. Junior Member of the Joseph Stokes Jr. Research Institute Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Early heart development, mesoderm induction and patterning, neural induction, and cardiovascular disease. TGF-§ responsive gene promoter regulation, specifically, the early TGF-§ response gene Eomesodermin, a one of the earliest markers of mesodermal cells in embryos which is required very early in the process of forming heart and skeletal muscle tissues. Jennifer E. Sabin, MArch Architecture at Penn Design University of Pennsylvania Sabin’s research and design practice focuses on investigating the intersections between architecture, textile structures, computation and biology. More Richard Salcido, M.D. William J. Erdman, II Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine Chair, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine University of Pennsylvania Research and clinical interests in chronic wound care; functional mobility in aging; urinary incontinence. More Jorge Santiago-Aviles, Ph.D. Associate Professor Centor for Sensor Technologies Department of Electrical Engineering University of Pennsylvania Synthesis, processing and characterization of materials for optical and electronic applications, sensing and actuating devices. Synthesis of biodegradable polymers, conductive polymers, polymer processing, drug delivery, transdermal transport, stabilization of bioactives in polymer formulations, modification of cell-material interactions and musculo-skeletal and liver tissue engineering. John C. Schotland, M.D, Ph.D. Associate Professor Departments of Bioengineering University of Pennsylvania Theoretical optical physics with applications to biomedical imaging. More Douglas H. Smith, Ph.D. Associate Professor Associate Director, Head Injury Center Department of Neurosurgery University of Pennsylvania Modeling focal and diffuse brain injury, post-traumatic cognitive dysfunction, traumatic axonal injury, magnetic resonance techniques for diagnosis of brain trauma, and development of brain injury therapies. More Louis J. Soslowsky, Ph.D. Associate Professor Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery & Bioengineering University of Pennsylvania Orthopaedic biomechanics and tissue engineering: Structure-function studies in tendons and ligaments using transgenic models, tendon and ligament injury, healing, repair, and regeneration models, and biomechanical studies of the shoulder joint. More David W. Speicher, Ph.D. Professor Chair, Structural Biology Program, and Director, Protein Microchemistry/MS Facility The Wistar Institute Macromolecular interaction mechanisms and thermodynamics in complex protein systems; Characterization of cancer metastases using proteome analyses; Role of cell-cell adhesion proteins in tumor development; Structure, function, assembly and regulation of membrane skeletal proteins. More Ben Stanger, M.D., Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Medicine University of Pennyslvania Our laboratory uses the tools of developmental biology to address problems relevant to development, regenerative medicine and cancer. We use the mouse as a model system to genetically tag specific cellular lineages, or to alter the function of important signaling pathways. The focus is on stem cells and progenitor cells in the vertebrate liver and pancreas, essential organs with great clinical importance and a rich history in developmental biology. More Christian J. Stoeckert, Jr., Ph.D. Senior Research Investigator, Center for Bioinformatics University of Pennyslvania The Computational Biology and Informatics Laboratory (CBIL) builds databases and tools for the management and analysis of biological data. In particular, CBIL is interested in understanding gene regulation. The approach is to use the genomes and transcriptomes for human, mouse, and other organisms to identify genes, their expression patterns, and their regulatory sequences. Starting with a global schema for all phases of genomic data we can build system-specific views for data mining. Databases and tools can be found at www.cbil.upenn.edu and www.allgenes.org. Phong Tran, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Cell & Developmental Biology University of Pennyslvania Our lab is interested in understanding how positional information and pattern formation are generated within the cell by the cytoskeleton. We plan to: 1) identify the molecular components of the microtubule organizing centers, 2) define the interactions of known microtubule-associated-proteins with the microtubule ends and the roles of these proteins in brining about proper nuclear positioning and cellular pattern, and 3) develop and apply advanced optical imaging and analysis methods to the yeast system. More John Q. Trojanowski, M.D., Ph.D. Professor Department of Pathology@ Laboratory Medicine University of Pennyslvania Research currently centers on molecular mechanisms of neuron dysfunction, degeneration and death in normal aging and in neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementias with/without parkinsonism, motor neuron disease, etc.). This research uses immunological, biochemical, genetic, molecular and morphological methods to study human CNS and PNS tissue samples (postmortem or surgical), cell lines, synthetic proteins, and transgenic models of neurodegenerative diseases. More Andrew Tsourkas, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Cell & Developmental Biology University of Pennyslvania Our laboratory is interested in developing molecular imaging probes that target these anomalies to locate and study diseased states in vivo. We are developing probes that target a wide range of biological processes including gene regulation, mRNA localization, protein expression, and enzymatic activity. Multiple imaging platforms are used including magnetic resonance, fluorescence, and bioluminescence and applications range from studying the complex intracellular dynamics of individual cells to the early detection of disease in a clinical setting. More Santosh S. Venkatesh, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering University of Pennyslvania Models of neural computation: complexity, approximation, and learning. Applications of computational learning theory to pattern classification and machine learning. Communication networks and information theory. Karen I. Winey, Ph.D. Professor Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Pennsylvania Currently, my research group has one project on the procesing of polymeric systems for controlled adn extended drug delivery. In addition, we are pursuing fundamental studies on the structure-property relationships in nanotube-polymer composite materials adn ion-containing polymers, particularly ionomers. Our experimental expertise includes electron microscopy, x-ray scattering, rheology, and termal analysis. Winey Group Home Page Beth A. Winkelstein, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Bioengineering University of Pennsylvania Research examines biomechanical mechanisms causing chronic pain and subcatastrophic neck injuries, combining injury biomechanics of the cervical spine/neck with physiology assays of persistent pain. Effots seek to understand injury mechanisms that produce whiplas-related pain & determine the role of biomechanics in CNS neuroimmunologic changes of persistent pain. More Shu Yang, Ph.D. Skirkanich Assistant Professor Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Pennsylvania Synthesis, characterization and processing of functional materials, including polymers and organic/inorganic hybrids for applications in microelectronics, photonics and biotechnology.More Arjun G. Yodh, Ph.D. James M. Skinner Professor of Science Department of Physics & Astronomy University of Pennsylvania Development of novel optical physics, spectroscopy, and microscopy for studies of soft materials ranging from colloids and emulsions to human tissues. Yodh Group Home Page