The BioInterfaces and Cellular Mechanics Group is determining biochemical and physical mechanisms by which cells communicate with their environment. A broad goal is to identify molecular mechanisms by which cell surface adhesion molecules recognize specific ligands and transmit biochemical and mechanical information across the cell membrane. This mechanochemical information transfer through specific cell surface proteins and their binding partners regulate fundamental processes in tissue development and disease progression. Experimental approaches include microfabrication, precision biophysical measurement techniques, and molecular engineering. Our multidisciplinary approach uniquely probes molecular mechanisms of bio-adhesion, transmembrane information transfer, and intercellular communication.