Bone Biology and Mechanics Lab: BBML

Welcome to the BBML in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University. The BBML is committed to improving our understanding of how the body works through innovative preclinical and clinical research. As our name implies, the lab focuses on bone mechanics (ability to effectively bear loads) and mechanobiology (how cells respond to mechanical stimuli to maintain and/or increase bone mass). We investigate bone from mechanical engineering and materials science perspectives by tying morphology and composition to mechanical function and fracture resistance at discrete length scales throughout bone's hierarchy.

Bone Hierarchy



Our long-term goal is to use combinatorial treatments for a number of relevant diseases that have musculoskeletal complications which lead to bone fragility and fracture. Our current focus is on mechanical and pharmaceutical manipulations of bone quality and quantity to intervene and increase bone fracture resistance even in the face of inferior tissue quality. A common thread that passes through all of our research is an intense focus on collagen and the role it plays in bone health. Our research is currently funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). Full funding details can be found here and information about these grants is also available in the research tab.

Lab Intro

Recent Lab News

On October 7, 2024, we are happy to welcome our newest lab member. Maria Prado has joined us as a postdoc after having completed her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

On July 1, 2024, the transition from IUPUI to Purdue University will be complete. Dr. Wallace will be a Professor in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, and Associate Vice President for Research Development for Indianapolis. We are all excited for the opportunities this transition brings to the lab and for the campus as a whole!

We have 3 new student researchers we'd like to welcome for the summer of 2024. Roméo Gregoire is a rising junior majoring in Animal Science (pre-vet) at Purdue University. Alexa Plotkin is a rising senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Ohio State and is a part of the IU School of Medicine MSTP Undergraduate Summer Research Program. Joseph Marvar is an incoming student in the IUSM/Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering MSTP and is doing his first summer research rotation in our lab. Welcome everyone!

The BBML is actively looking for highly motivated graduate students and postdoctoral candidates with a solid background in musculoskeletal biomechanics to take the lead on one of several funded projects from the NSF, VA, or NIH. Ideally, the candiates will have experience with in vivo experiments and working as a mentor of students in a research setting. Please click here for information on how to become a part of our team.

Rachel Kohler successfully defended her PhD Disseration entitled "Targeting bone quality in murine models of osteogenesis imperfecta, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease." On July 1, she will start her new position as a faculty member in Biomedical/Mechanical Engineering at Grove City College.

Olivia Reul successfully defended her MS thesis entitled "Impact of Diet on the KK/Ay Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes." She will transition into the PhD program in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue Univerity.

Andy Tomaschke is taking on the new role of Maker Space Director for the College of Engineering at Purdue University in Indianapolis.

Archived News Items

Recent Research

Research

A variety of research endeavors are currently underway in the BBML. Our work focuses predominantly on bone, muscle and tendon. Click below to learn more about the general areas of research.

BBML People

BBML People

Click below to learn more about the people in our lab who make all of this exciting work possible.



Recent Publication

Publications

Our lab actively publishes in journals spanning the areas of bone and mineral and general biomechanics. To view of list of our publications, click the link below.

How to connect with the BBML: