Srimathveeravalli Research Group
About
Our group studies the interaction of non-ionizing energy and biology at multiscale resolution, from cells through organ systems. Computer simulations are used to model biological response evoked upon exposure to energy and to design energy parameters that elicit specific responses. We develop novel medical devices for energy delivery in vitro and in vivo, allowing identification of signaling pathways and cellular activity that is altered or upregulated upon energy-based treatment. Our techniques allow the targeted modulation of barrier function in the tissue microenvironment (cell membrane, stroma and blood vessels), creating new platforms for the study of cancer and other diseases. The knowledge gained from our experiments has applications in tumor ablation, drug delivery, immunotherapy and tissue engineering. We emphasize rapid translation of our findings to the clinic through collaboration and involving physicians and other key stakeholders at all stages of our research.
Join
Undergraduate Students: The lab has students from mechanical and biomedical engineering, as well as biology and biochemistry. Preference is given to students who are in their sophomore or junior year, and are able to commit to working for a minimum 2 years in the lab. Students pursuing or interested in doing their honors thesis are welcome. The lab will provide all requisite training, no formal background in the research interests of the lab is necessary. Project assignment is based on student background and lab needs.
Graduate Students: We are currently not recruiting but encourage interested students to reach out as unexpected opportunities can emerge. Students with a mechanical engineering training with a background or interest in medical devices, microfluidic system fabrication are of potential fit. Experience with FEM, Matlab, and CAD software is desirable. The ability to perform in-vitro studies and a basic understanding of biology will be a plus.
Students with a biomedical engineering training with a background or interest in tissue engineering, biomanufacturing, microphysiologic models and/or immunotherapy are of potential fit. Experience with tissue culture, basic lab and molecular biology techniques is a must. Some background in medical devices, electrical systems is desirable but not mandatory.
Funding
The Srimathveeravalli Research Lab is supported by the National Institutes of Health under award number R01CA236615 and R01DK129990, the Dept. of Defense CDMRP awards CA170630 and CA190888, the Institute for Applied Life Sciences, M2M Midigrant and the Dept. of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.
Contact
Our lab is located at: N540 Life Sciences Building, 240 Thatcher Way, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, MA 01003.
