dfudge22
04-27-2011, 10:27 AM
The Comparative Biomaterials Lab at the University of Guelph is accepting applications for new M.Sc. and Ph.D. students to start in September 2011 or January 2012. Applicants are expected to have a strong academic record, an insatiable curiosity about the natural world, and a desire to engage in interdisciplinary research. Available projects are listed below and more information can be found at: http://www.comparativephys.ca/members/dfudge.
Hagfish Slime Biophysics
We are currently trying to answer two questions about this fascinating biomaterial: 1. How do cells within the slime glands manufacture a 15 cm long protein thread within their cytoplasm and 2. What governs the swelling and rupture of mucin vesicles in the slime when they are released into seawater?
Biomechanics of the Cytoskeleton
We are interested in the ways in which cells detect, respond to, and survive extreme mechanical deformations. We are particularly interested in how the intermediate filament cytoskeleton is involved in these processes.
Whale Baleen Biophysics
We recently demonstrated that baleen is somewhat unique among mammalian keratins in that it hardens without the benefit of air-drying, and that extensive mineralization in the form of calcium salts serves to boost its stiffness. Future work will investigate the role that covalent cross-linking plays in the stiffening of baleen, as well as how the keratin tubules within the baleen plate are encouraged to separate from the inside edge to form the filtration mat.
Vertebrate Ocular Lens Biomechanics
Using transgenic mice provided by collaborators at UC Davis, we are carrying out a genetic dissection of the biomechanics of the mammalian ocular lens, which deforms within narrow tolerances to achieve fine focusing.
Applicants should contact Dr. Douglas Fudge at dfudge@uoguelph.ca
See http://www.comparativephys.ca/members/dfudge for more information
Hagfish Slime Biophysics
We are currently trying to answer two questions about this fascinating biomaterial: 1. How do cells within the slime glands manufacture a 15 cm long protein thread within their cytoplasm and 2. What governs the swelling and rupture of mucin vesicles in the slime when they are released into seawater?
Biomechanics of the Cytoskeleton
We are interested in the ways in which cells detect, respond to, and survive extreme mechanical deformations. We are particularly interested in how the intermediate filament cytoskeleton is involved in these processes.
Whale Baleen Biophysics
We recently demonstrated that baleen is somewhat unique among mammalian keratins in that it hardens without the benefit of air-drying, and that extensive mineralization in the form of calcium salts serves to boost its stiffness. Future work will investigate the role that covalent cross-linking plays in the stiffening of baleen, as well as how the keratin tubules within the baleen plate are encouraged to separate from the inside edge to form the filtration mat.
Vertebrate Ocular Lens Biomechanics
Using transgenic mice provided by collaborators at UC Davis, we are carrying out a genetic dissection of the biomechanics of the mammalian ocular lens, which deforms within narrow tolerances to achieve fine focusing.
Applicants should contact Dr. Douglas Fudge at dfudge@uoguelph.ca
See http://www.comparativephys.ca/members/dfudge for more information