Discipline: Technology & Engineering
Subcategory: STEM Research
Carrie Kouadio - University of California, Merced
Co-Author(s): Nora Cole, Sayantani Ghosh, Kara McCloskey, Ajay Gopinathan, and Victor Muñoz, University of California, Merced
The Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Machines (CCBM), established with a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation, is a Center of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (NSF-CREST) at the University of California, Merced, with a focus on biophysics, bioengineering and biochemistry. The CCBM brings together more than twenty faculty members from multiple units across campus, including bioengineering, physics, chemistry and chemical biology, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering and molecular cell biology. The CCBM uses an interdisciplinary approach combining physical, biological and engineering methods to understand and control the functioning of multi-scale assemblies of biomolecules and cells, and to design and develop novel bio-inspired functioning machines ranging from designer cells and tissue to diagnostic and therapeutic devices. The CCBM also hosts an integrated, interdisciplinary training program for graduate students that emphasizes physical and biological components and research/training experiences for undergraduate and high school students to enhance the recruitment of underrepresented groups into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The center also leads STEM-focused broadening participation and outreach activities for K-12 students and the community. The CCBM has three research areas: Thrust 1: Biomolecular Machines–Proteins are true cellular nanomachines that perform sophisticated biological functions by self-assembling into dynamic 3D structures that use thermal energy to change shape in response to specific stimuli. Amid their many functions, proteins make for excellent nanoscale instruments. Thrust 2: Macromolecular Assemblies and Hybrid Devices–The high rate of discovery in nanotechnology is permitting us to realize nanomaterials with interesting new properties that can be used for building hybrid devices in conjunction with biomolecules. We focus on several of these applications including novel therapeutic delivery systems and nanoparticle-based biosensors. Thrust 3: Cellular and Multicellular Systems–Large scale assemblies composed of multiple cells are ubiquitous, ranging from tissue to biofilms, and exhibit striking emergent behaviors controlled by cell mechanics and cell-cell interactions. We are developing new methods to study and guide the development of bacterial communities and differentiating tissue.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): National Science Foundation (NSF-HRD-1547848)
Faculty Advisor: None Listed,