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Biomechanics is a branch of physiology that applies engineeringprinciples to biological systems. Research in this field is multidisciplinary:studies range from looking at the genetic code and molecular organization ofbiopolymers, to looking at the consequences that materials and structures haveon an organism's survival.

Our lab is primarily concerned with biomaterials, a branch of biomechanicsthat investigates the mechanical function of biological materials andstructures. We apply stresses to materials to determine mechanical propertiessuch as stiffness, strength and toughness. The two primary areas of research inour lab are:

1. The functional role of elastic energy storage systems in thecardiovascular dynamics and locomotor mechanics of animals.

2. The molecular and morphological basis of functionally importantmechanical properties in biological materials.

Research Topics

Arterial Elastin

Spider Silks

Jellyfish Swimming

Hagfish Slime

Fish Skin

Members of the Biomaterials Lab

Links to Former Students

Links to Other Biomechanics Labs

• Animal Locomotion Laboratory (Professor R.W. Blake's Biomechanics Lab,University of British Columbia)
• Biomechanics Research Laboratory (Professor E. DeMont's Biomechanics Lab, St.Francis Xavier University)
• Biomechanics World Wide (A Guide to the World of Biomechanics, J.P. Baudin, Acadia University)
• Comparative Biomechanical Laboratory (Professor P. Y. Wong's Biomechanics Lab, TuftsUniversity)
• Ecological & Evolutionary Biomechanics (Professor M. Koehl's Lab, University of Berkely)
• Poly-PEDAL Laboratory (Professor R. J. Full's Lab, University of Berkely)

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We would appreciate any comments, questions or remarks you might have



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Last updated: May 12th, 1999