Welcome from the Director

Mechanobiology explores the intricate relationship between biological systems and mechanical forces. In a world where technological advancements and scientific breakthroughs are ever-present, delving into the mechanisms through which molecules, cells, tissues, and organs generate and respond to forces has become more crucial than ever. Mechanobiology is a field where scientific curiosity meets real-world applications, and its study promises a future where our understanding of life is not only deeper but also transformative in addressing challenges in human health and global sustainability.

Mechanobiology spans across various disciplines such as engineering, biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, and physical therapy. Our center, CMTM, was established in 2020 to bring people together and accelerate progress. CMTM exemplifies Boston University’s culture of collaboration and dedication to serving the wider world, both locally and internationally. By fostering an environment of collaboration in experiment, theory, simulation, and technology transfer, we’ve launched multiple types of training opportunities for students and helped get truly groundbreaking projects started. Our Center members have unique expertise in approaches to measure, manipulate, and model forces, deformations, and other mechanical phenomena across different length scales, providing a comprehensive understanding of their impact on biological systems.

I invite you to explore our website, where you can delve deeper into the profiles of our students, faculty, ongoing research projects, and collaborative partners. CMTM offers a world-class, inclusive environment for research and training, where diverse perspectives come together to drive innovation.

If you wish to stay informed about the latest developments and activities in CMTM, please feel free to contact us. Your involvement and interest are invaluable as we continue to make strides in mechanobiology research and its applications.

Warm regards,

Katherine Yanhang Zhang
Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering
Director, Center for Multiscale & Translational Mechanobiology