Research direction/Mission:

We employ ultrasound and/or microfluidics based multi-disciplinary approach to assess cell mechanics and mechanotransduction, with emphasis on the mechanistic understanding of cellular responses to ultrasound stimulation. The general research goal is to understand and optimize non-invasive ultrasound-mediated cellular mechanotransduction (cellular control) toward safe and efficient drug delivery, and non-invasive neuromodulation.

I) Main Research Area 1: understand, develop and optimize ultrasound-based strategies for safe and efficient vascular modulation based on cellular mechanotransduction

A) elucidate the influence of ultrasound mediated calcium signaling for endothelial tight junction remodeling and paracellular transport; develop safe and efficient strategies (e.g., integrin-targeted microbeads) based on mechanosensitive pathway for reversible modulation of vascular permeability.

B) conventional long pulse vs. the emerging short-pulse ultrasound sequences for the efficiency-safety trade-off of BBB opening; providing rational framework for selecting optimal ultrasound protocols to maximize safety or efficacy for specific neurological applications.

II) Main Research Area 2: elucidate the mechanisms of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) neuromodulation at the cellular and circuit levels.

A) Synaptic and Network Effects on Neurons: Investigating how LIPUS influences synaptic transmission and network activity in neuronal cultures.

B) Cell-Type-Specific Effects In Vivo: dissect the differential and state-dependent effects of LIPUS on astrocyte and neuronal calcium dynamics in the mouse cortex, explore the underlying glia mechanisms for ultrasound neuromodulation and develop strategies (astrocytes sonogenetics) for targeted modulation of neurological diseases associated with neuronal hyperactivity.

Recruiting

We are seeking motivated scientists to join us at all levels, including postdoc, research assistant and graduate student. A background on engineering ultrasound / neuroscience / mechanobiology / physiology /electric engineering / biomedical engineering/biophysics are all welcome. Self-motivated undergrad intern no less than 3 month are also welcome. PhD positions available. Please refer to the current openings for more details.