Teng Zhang, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, was awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to research how biomechanical forces shape developing tissues inside the human body. The project titled “Collaborative Research: Studying Mechanics of Tissue Boundary Formation with Experiments and Theory” will be led by Zhang and Professor Jianping Fu of the University of Michigan.

Zhang and Fu will combine biomechanical experimental research with computational modeling to study somite boundary formation. Somites are a type of precursor cell that become the building blocks of vertebrae and ribs. Disruptions to this cell growth process can lead to congenital vertebral defects.

“We will develop a modeling framework that is rigorously tested and refined through direct experimental validation,” explains Zhang. “This constant dialogue between model and experiment is essential to uncover the mechanical principles governing somitogenesis and transform observation into mechanistic understanding.”

The project will also provide hands-on STEM education for K-12 students, offering summer internship opportunities at the University of Michigan, as well as programming through STEM Exploration Day at the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS).

“I’m thrilled to see this important work funded by NSF,” says ECS Interim Associate Dean for Research Quinn Qiao. “By integrating computational modeling with biological validation, Drs. Zhang and Fu are poised to turn observations into meaningful insights that could advance our understanding and prevention of congenital vertebral defects.”

“Dr. Zhang’s work exemplifies the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to biomedical problems and the power of combining theoretical modeling and experimental investigations. I am so happy that this cutting-edge research is recognized and funded by NSF,” says Professor Jianshun “Jensen” Zhang, MAE Interim Department Chair and Executive Director of Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems (SyracuseCoE).

A past recipient of an NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award, Zhang is an expert in the complex interactions between mechanics and biological structures. He is affiliated with the BioInspired Institute, and his research group focuses on using mechanics as an enabling tool to design smart materials and structures that improve human health.