BME Seminar Series (Zoom): Structure-Function Correlation of Soft Tissues - A Mechanics and Materials Perspective

Zoom: https://uci.zoom.us/s/97629106431 Password: 198Sem

Abstract: The highly complex, hierarchical nature of biological materials lend to their unique functions. In evaluating the changes of mechanical properties of these materials, it is critical to characterize the resulting changes in tissue microstructure at each length scale. Changes in the microenvironment of biological systems have immense potential in altering its intended function at the macroscale level. Williams' team is working toward answering the following research questions: “Is it feasible to quantify soft tissue damage at multiple length scales and target processes where there is irreversible repair?" and "Can we correlate biological tissue irreversible repair threshold levels with mechanical insult to understand the ‘real time’ physiological responses of the microenvironment to damage while engaging the macroscale system?” Williams' Tissue Mechanics, Microstructure, and Modeling (TM3) group's initial approach to these questions came by studying simplified systems such as the parallel fibered composite structures of muscle and tendon. They have moved toward increased complexity by correlating structure and function in organs -- brain, liver and lungs. This length-scale approach to studying the mechanics and damage in biological materials can provide an in-depth assessment, which may inform the development of diagnostics and therapeutics as well as aid in and the design of safety countermeasures.

Bio: Lakiesha Williams is an associate professor of biomedical engineering in the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Florida. Williams' overarching research interest is in quantifying tissue damage and correlating physiological relevance to varying modes of injury. Her Tissue Mechanics, Microstructure, and Modeling (TM3) group's initial observations came via studying simplified systems such as the parallel fibered composite structures of muscle and tendon. They have moved toward increased complexity by correlating structure and function in organs. Her team has published high-profile works on the structure-function relationship of the brain at high impacts and intense vibrations. In 2020, Williams was inducted into AIMBE College of Fellows.