In the BioInterfaces and Cellular Mechanics Group we are determining mechanisms by which cells communicate with and respond to their environment. Projects focus on engineering cell environments, cell adhesion, cell migration, and mechanosensing. A broad goal is to identify molecular mechanisms by which cell surface adhesion molecules regulate fundamental processes in tissue development and disease progression. Experimental approaches include microfabrication, precision biophysical techniques including single molecule measurements, and protein engineering. Our multidisciplinary approach uniquely probes molecular mechanisms of bio-adhesion, transmembrane information transfer, and intercellular communication.