Welcome to the Tissue Biomechanics Laboratory!

The Tissue Biomechanics Laboratory of Clemson Bioengineering is one of the primary research laboratories within the Clemson-MUSC Bioengineering Program located at the Medical University of South Carolina ( MUSC ) in Charleston, South Carolina. This unique joint program is the manifestation of a rapidly growing educational and research partnership between Clemson University and MUSC. The primary goal of the Tissue Biomechanics Laboratories is to develop a multidisciplinary research and education program to study the mechanisms of degeneration and regeneration of soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system, as well as in human eyes.

The research in the Tissue Biomechanics Laboratory focuses on soft tissue mechanics/mechanobiology [e.g., temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cartilage, intervertebral disc (IVD), and cornea] and related degenerative diseases (e.g., TMJ Disorders, low back pain, keratoconus). The research is conducted at multiscale levels from whole body to single cells, including imaging based joint kinematics (body level), tissue constitutive modeling and simulation (tissue level), single cell mechanics and mechanobiology (cell level), and molecular transport and assembling (molecular level).

Training Opportunities (Positions Available)

We are currently seeking strong PhD and Postdoc candidates who are interested in the following research areas:

  • Motion measurement, electromyography, kinematic and dynamic analysis
  • Computational modeling of neuromusculoskeletal system
  • Finite element modeling of soft and hard tissues
  • Soft tissue imaging (optical, MRI, ultrasound)
  • Cell energy metabolism and electrophysiology
  • Biotransport in tissue engineering and drug delivery
  • Joint and cartilage biology (developmental, cell, and molecular)
  • Neurobiology of musculoskeletal pain

Funding Sources

  • NIH/NIDCR, NIH/NIAMS, NIH/NIGMS, NSF, DoD.
  • AHA, AOSpine, The Scoliosis Research Society, MTF Biologics, American Association of Tissue Banks, South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Fund, South Carolina Medical Translational Technology Program.