Biomechanics

What is Biomechanics?

Biomechanics is the study of how the body moves and how various parts function together, from the molecular level in our cells to larger systems like muscles, bones, and organs. This field leads to innovative solutions for improving health, preventing injuries, managing joint issues, and advancing biomechanical optics, with a focus on enhancing mobility, recovery, and vision outcomes.

Areas of Focus

Our biomechanics researchers are leading cutting-edge studies to:

  • Study bone healing and joint function to improve treatments for bone injuries and diseases using bioactive hydrogels and stem cells for faster recovery.
  • Investigate the causes of joint damage and arthritis to develop preventative treatments that protect joints and improve long-term quality of life.
  • Develop targeted drug delivery systems and therapies to treat damaged tissues, speeding up healing and reducing the need for surgery.
  • Explore how the inner ear affects hearing to create advanced treatments for hearing loss
  • Research how the visual system works to better diagnose and treat conditions including myopia, presbyopia, and cataracts.
  • Examine bones and joints using MRI and micro-CT imaging technologies to non-invasively understand injuries and diseases like arthritis, leading to improved diagnostic tools and treatments.
Computer display showing graphics and data from a suit outfitted with reflective markers for use in collection of biomechanics data.

Turning Research into Care Solutions

Biomechanics at Rochester

At the University of Rochester, our biomechanics researchers span multiple bodily systems, including bones and joints, tissue, hearing, and vision. We work closely with medical professionals to ensure our findings can be applied directly to clinical settings and make a real difference in patient care.

Our research is further enriched through interdisciplinary collaboration with a variety of departments, centers, and researchers, notably the Center for Musculoskeletal Research and the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Biomechanics Researchers

Meet the faculty at the forefront of biomechanics research.

Interesting in doing research here as a graduate student? Check out our doctoral training faculty page for a list of biomedical engineering faculty who work with graduate students. 

Headshot of Hani A. Awad.

Hani A. Awad, PhD

Musculoskeletal tissue engineering

Headshot of Mark Buckley.

Mark Buckley, PhD

Viscoelasticity in soft biological tissues; soft tissue aging, disease and repair

Headshot of Robert L. Clark.

Robert L. Clark, PhD

Dynamic systems, measurement and control, and the exploration of single-molecule mechanics

Headshot of Cherice N.Hill.

Cherice N.Hill, PhD

Multi-scale biomechanics of the human temporomandibular and lower extremity joints with a particular focus on diverse populations

Headshot of Rebecca Irwin.

Rebecca Irwin, PhD

Mechanobiology, structure-function relationships, soft tissue mechanics, intravital multiphoton microscopy, regenerative therapies

Headshot of Amy L. Lerner.

Amy L. Lerner, PhD

Orthopaedic biomechanics, bone growth and development, knee biomechanics

Headshot of Elena Lomakina.

Elena Lomakina, PhD

Cell adhesion, mechanical and thermodynamic properties of biological membranes

Headshot of Susana Marcos.

Susana Marcos, PhD

Ocular Imaging, Corneal Biomechanics, Ocular implants, Opto-mechanical modeling in the eye, Myopia, Presbyopia, Cataract, Adaptive Optics, Visual Simulation, Diagnostic technologies in ophthalmology

Headshot of James L. McGrath.

James L. McGrath, PhD

Cell motility, and quantitative light microscopy

Headshot of Jong-Hoon Nam.

Jong-Hoon Nam, PhD

Biophysics of inner ear sensory cells, cell mechanics

Headshot of Anne Nichols.

Anne Nichols, PhD

Tendon mechanobiology and the cell biology of tissue adaptation

Headshot of Renato Perucchio.

Renato Perucchio, PhD

Computational solid and structural mechanics

Headshot of Edward M. Schwarz.

Edward M. Schwarz, PhD

Pro-inflammatory cytokine signal transduction and novel drug and gene therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Headshot of Richard E. Waugh.

Richard E. Waugh, PhD

Cell adhesion, mechanical and thermodynamic properties of biological membranes; cellular mechanics and function of cytoskeletal proteins