Yizhi Meng

Assistant Professor 

Our laboratory seeks to study new approaches to developing bio-inspired materials and strategies for tissue engineering. Currently we are investigating cell-ECM interactions during the bone differentiation process using an   in vitro  model. By examining cellular mechanics, adhesion and spreading, motility, and biomineralization, we hope to gain a better understanding of how cellular functions can be modulated by the materials properties of the substrate. Our group collaborates with researchers across several disciplines and utilizes a wide array of techniques, including scanning probe microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIRM), SEM, TEM and optical microscopy.