Bioengineering: The cross roads of biology and engineering design!
Research Interests: Vertebrate development is a complex process involving numerous, tightly regulated signaling pathways. Growth factors and their receptors are some of the most influential genes and proteins regulating the various stages of development. Key to understanding the growth and development of the human body, is the use of other vertebrates to dissect the regulatory networks and then applying this information to human development. Common models for vertebrate development include mouse, chick and zebrafish. We use the zebrafish as a model for vertebrate development, and specifically to study Neural Crest Cell (NCC) development and specification as it relates to craniofacial development. Neural Crest cells are a multi-potent cell population that develop into many different adult structures. We are also interested in tissue regeneration and understanding cell potential to regenerate damaged or lost tissue. This will assist in generating novel tissue engineering strategies.
