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 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 looking for graduate student (1 position) with prior experience with microfluidic, or organ on a chip devices with knowledge of design, manufacture using 3D printing/soft lithography. A degree mechanical engineering or biomedical engineering with a working knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology and anatomy/physiology is required. Start date can be in Spring or Fall 2025.
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 National Science Foundation CBET CAREER award 2338949, and 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.
