A significant portion of biomedical applications necessitates the optimized development of an interface between cells and surrounding biomaterials. Our lab aims to understand and control the cell-biomaterial interface with the ultimate goal of developing future therapeutics. 

(1) Mechanically-Tuned 3D Biomaterial Platforms: Engineering 3D hydrogel and microstructured scaffolds with tunable mechanical properties to recapitulate native tissue environments and disease progression

(2) Function-Oriented Molecular Screening: leveraging these biomaterial platforms for function-oriented molecular screening, including aptamer SELEX and CRISPR-based gene screening, to more efficiently identify molecules and therapeutic targets for diagnostics and treatment.

This fusion of materials engineering and functional screening represents an innovative approach toward next-generation diagnostic materials and drug discovery.

An overview of each research focus is provided in the RESEARCH tab.