/Wraps/wrap09/controls/api/event_system/render has no handler for Purdue Event Documents of type 'Gilbreth Fellowship Research Proposal'

Mechanics of the Mammalian Egg: From Experimental Mechanobiology to In Silico Models of Oocyte Quality

September 10, 2026

Share:

Project Description

This project aims to identify the biological basis of poor egg quality, a recognized cause of female infertility. We are recruiting a postdoctoral fellow with expertise in cell biology, cellular mechanics, and computational modeling to build on our ongoing NSF-funded Biology Integration Institute, EMBRIO (Emergent Mechanisms in Biology of Robustness, Integration and Organization). Combining mechanobiology and reproductive biology, we aim to elucidate molecular links between fertility and long-term health because reproductive struggles can be a harbinger of later-life health problems.

We will define biomechanical features of mammalian eggs (mouse is a widely accepted model for all mammalian species, including humans) using atomic force microscopy and molecular force sensors to gain novel insights into meiotic progression and fertilization. Experimental data will drive computational modeling, building from wet lab results to develop an in silico egg whose properties can be manipulated to mimic and predict defects at these critical developmental transitions.

Dr. Chan is a biomedical engineer with expertise in biomedical imaging, biomechanics, and preclinical models of synovial joint health. Dr. Evans is a cell biologist whose lab first characterized mechanical property transitions in oocytes through meiosis. Together, they offer the postdoctoral fellow a unique training and mentorship opportunity across complementary disciplines

Start Date

January, 2027

Postdoc Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate…
• A Ph.D. in Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or related field of science and engineering
• Expertise in cell and molecular biology, biomaterials, and biochemistry
• Ability to independently design, conduct, and document experiments
• Ability to work in a team with two different laboratories and mentors with overlapping and complementary interests
• Critical thinking, curiosity, and creativity in multidisciplinary research
• Effective project and time management, mentorship, leadership, and interpersonal skills
• Strong oral and written communication

The successful candidate will also be responsible for preparing manuscripts for publication, traveling to and presenting research results at scientific meetings, and working with the PI to manage research activities in the lab and train students. Postdocs are also expected to apply for external support and to develop additional independent projects in orthopedic research as part of their training to become independent investigators.

Co-advisors

Deva Chan, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering (by Courtesy) - chand@purdue.edu https://engineering.purdue.edu/ChanLab
Janice Evans, Department of Biological Sciences - janiceevans@purdue.edu 

Bibliography

Ding C, Li L, Wang Y, Nguyen HA, Chan DD, Umulis DM, Buganza AT, Deng Q. Reactive oxygen species counteract zebrafish wound contraction and promote wound healing. Biophys J. 2025;124(21):3717–32. Epub 20250919. doi: 10.1016/j.bpj.2025.09.027. PubMed PMID: 40975783; PMCID: PMC12709434.

Larson SM, Lee HJ, Hung PH, Matthews LM, Robinson DN, Evans JP. Cortical mechanics and meiosis II completion in mammalian oocytes are mediated by myosin-II and Ezrin-Radixin-Moesin (ERM) proteins. Mol Biol Cell. 2010 Sep 15; 21(18):3182-92. doi: 10.1091/mbc.E10-01-0066. Epub 2010 Jul 21. PubMed PMID: 20660156; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2938384; NIHMSID: NIHMS357361.

Mackenzie AC, Kyle DD, McGinnis LA, Lee HJ, Aldana N, Robinson DN, Evans JP. Cortical mechanics and myosin-II abnormalities associated with post-ovulatory aging: implications for functional defects in aged eggs. Mol Hum Reprod. 2016 Jun; 22(6):397-409. doi: 10.1093/molehr/gaw019. Epub 2016 Feb 26. PubMed PMID: 26921397; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4884917.

Wang Y, Troughton LD, Xu F, Chatterjee A, Ding C, Zhao H, Cifuentes LP, Wagner RB, Wang T, Tan S, Chen J, Li L, Umulis D, Kuang S, Suter DM, Yuan C, Chan D, Huang F, Oakes PW, Deng Q. Atypical peripheral actin band formation via overactivation of RhoA and Non-muscle myosin II in Mitofusin 2 deficient cells. Elife. 2023;12. Epub 20230919. doi: 10.7554/eLife.88828. PubMed PMID: 37724949.