Therapies targeting bone-degrading cells are the current standard of care for combating cancer metastasis in the skeleton. These cells are directed by cancer cells to degrade bone in order to release pro-tumorigenic growth factors stored within the skeletal extracellular matrix. These therapies are not curative and do not halt metastasis-mediated bone degradation, indicating additional factors contribute to bone degradation. My research program focuses on the skeletal mechanical environment and its role in cancer regulation. Specifically, I investigate 1) mechanoregulation of bone metastatic cancer cells, and 2) the role of bone-forming osteoblastic cells, which comprise the principal sensor and effector cells of mechanical cues, in metastatic processes. My experimental approach uses novel in vivo and in vitro mechanical loading model systems to correlate cellular function with tissue-level changes in tumor burden and skeletal tissue strength.
BMEN 6950 - Master's Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
Work with a faculty advisor on a masters thesis.
COEN 1550 - YOU'RE@CU: Undergraduate Career Seminar
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Exposes first or second year undergraduate students to engineering research careers through a partner program (YOU'RE@CU), panel discussions with researchers in academics and industry, and exposure to research labs. Restricted to YOU'RE@CU participants. Department consent required.
MCEN 2000 - Mechanical Engineering as a Profession
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021
Provides an introduction to the profession of mechanical engineering. Specific topics addressed include career fields and roles relevant to mechanical engineering, internship search skills, professional communication, workplace culture, and current events/ethics topics relevant to the field. Course format may include additional evening/weekend activities.
MCEN 2023 - Statics and Structures
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Covers statics of particles, equivalent force systems, rigid bodies, equilibrium of rigid bodies in two and three dimensions, analysis of truss and frame structures, uniaxially-loaded members, distributed force systems and friction. Degree credit not granted for this course and CVEN 2121 or GEEN 2851.
MCEN 4085 - Mechanical Engineering Senior Design Project 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020
Second part of a two-course capstone design experience in mechanical engineering. Includes refinement of prototype, design optimization, fabrication, testing, and evaluation. Students orally present the final design and prepare a written report and operation manual for the product. GEEN-BS and GEEN-BSEPL students are not required to complete MCEN 4026.
MCEN 4113 - Mechanics of Cancer
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Cancer is considered to be an organ or an ecosystem, in which a critical component of the tumor microenvironment is mechanical forces. This course will cover the role of mechanics in cancer and cancer-related processes, with a focus on solid mechanics and fluid mechanics. In this course, you will apply engineering principles to come away with an appreciation of how mechanics influence cancer and its etiology as well as the development of future treatments. Same as BMEN 4113 and MCEN 5113 and BMEN 5113.
MCEN 4228 - Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022
Subject matter to be selected from topics of current interest. May be repeated up to 15 credit hours. Same as MCEN 5228.
MCEN 5030 - Introduction to Research
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024
Provides students with fundamental skills important for success in research. Covers approaches to generating project and program ideas, securing funding, performing a literature search to understand the state of a field, communicating results through presentations and papers, understanding scientific ethics, developing a network of trusted peers, establishing and negotiating collaborations, fostering diversity, ensuring equity and inclusivity, and establishing a professional profile and becoming a leader in your field.
MCEN 5113 - Mechanics of Cancer
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Cancer is considered to be an organ or an ecosystem, in which a critical component of the tumor microenvironment is mechanical forces. This course will cover the role of mechanics in cancer and cancer-related processes, with a focus on solid mechanics and fluid mechanics. In this course, you will apply engineering principles to come away with an appreciation of how mechanics influences cancer and its etiology as well as the development of future treatments. Same as BMEN 5113 and BMEN 4113 and MCEN 4113.
MCEN 5228 - Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022
Subject matter to be selected from topics of current interest. May be repeated up to 30 credit hours.
