Rebecca Irwin
- Visiting Professor of Biomedical Engineering
PhD, Cornell University, 2020
- rmi8@cornell.edu
Biography
Dr. Irwin received her PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Cornell University in 2020 where she focused on how biomaterials for early osteoarthritis treatments altered the microscale tissue mechanics of articular cartilage. After obtaining her PhD, Dr. Irwin worked as a postdoc at Duke University and Cornell University. Her postdoc work included studying the interplay between inflammation and mechanobiology in the meniscus, developing mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) based therapies for osteoarthritis, and using intravital multiphoton microscopy to study orthopaedic tissues and neurovascular recovery after stroke. Dr. Irwin will be joining the Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Rochester as an Assistant Professor in July 2025.
Research Overview
The Irwin lab aims to address knowledge gaps in orthopaedic mechanobiology using biomaterials and intravital imaging approaches. Our goal is to develop mechano-targeted therapies to improve tissue healing and prevent joint deterioration after injury. We use a multi-scale approach (cells, tissues, whole-joint model systems) to investigate mechanotransduction mechanisms at different levels of resolution and complexity, and to evaluate therapeutic efficacy.
Research Interests
- Mechanobiology, structure-function relationships, soft tissue mechanics, intravital multiphoton microscopy, regenerative therapies