We are a group of Physicists, Biologists and Engineers.
Our goal is to unveil the design rules underlying the unique mechanical properties of protein assemblies, cells and tissues. We are interested in both bottom-up and top-down approaches.
We study the relationship between structure and mechanical properties for peptides and proteins assemblies in vitro. This includes the development of new ways to control peptide and protein assembly from nanometre to metre scale. We are particularly interested in developing new fabrication methods that help improve the valorization of waste streams from the fishing and agriculture industries.
We are also interested in human pathologies that modify the mechanical properties of cells and tissues through changes in cytoskeletal or extra-cellular matrix architecture. Our current focus is in tendon damage and repair including the development of a new tendon replacement material.
For all these purposes we build our instrumentation and also have access to a broad range of structural and mechanical characterization techniques including atomic force microscopy (in-house), electron microscopy, X-ray scattering, second harmonic generation microscopy, vibrational spectroscopy (Infrared and Raman).
We are looking for one PhD student in Physics (Starting in September 2024 or January 2025) and undergraduate students (Honour’s thesis and summer research opportunities). Contact Dr. Kreplak, kreplak@dal.ca, include your CV and a short statement about your interests.