Clarkson Chemistry Professor Receives Prestigious NIH Grant with Nearly $1.8 Million for Breakthrough in Biomechanics Sensing and Imaging

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October 3, 2024

Clarkson University Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Xiaocun Lu has been awarded a nearly $1.8 million National Institutes of Health Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (NIH-MIRA) grant to support his pioneering research in biomechanics sensing and imaging. This grant will fund Lu's groundbreaking work, which addresses significant technological challenges in the field of cellular mechanics and aims to promote advancements in both research and clinical applications.

Biomechanics, the study of how mechanical behavior influences and controls biological systems, is critical for understanding how well cells and tissues function. These mechanical activities can reveal a cell's health and provide early indicators of disease.

Understanding cell mechanics is essential for developing new medical treatments, as it helps researchers and physicians diagnose diseases more accurately and design novel therapies. However, studying these forces in living systems is challenging due to the small scale and complexity of biological environments. New methods and technologies are required to accurately measure and visualize these forces in real time within living cells.

Lu's interdisciplinary approach draws on his expertise in chemistry, materials science, and mechanical engineering to create innovative tools that will allow scientists to study cell mechanics in ways that were previously impossible. His research aims to develop a platform capable of measuring and visualizing mechanical forces within cells with unprecedented precision.

"Our work seeks to revolutionize the way we study cellular mechanics," Dr. Lu said. "By integrating molecular mechanical sensors and super-resolution imaging techniques, we are pioneering a platform that will enable researchers to visualize and quantify these forces inside living cells with remarkable detail. This project is not just about overcoming current challenges; it is about expanding the possibilities of biomechanics and unlocking new scientific potential."

In addition to his research, Lu is dedicated to promoting diversity and STEM education in the North Country. He is developing initiatives such as the Summer Science and Research Camp and the STEM Education Boot Camp to engage students from underrepresented communities in cutting-edge science.

"We are committed to providing educational opportunities in rural areas, especially for students who may not have access to advanced STEM programs," Lu said.

Through outreach, mentorship, and educational programs, Lu and his team aim to foster a more inclusive and diverse scientific community, inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals in the North Country.

For more information about this grant, click here.