Biofluid Mechanics and Atrherosclerosis, Intravascular Ultrasound, Hemodynamics of Carotid Arteries and Coronary Arteries, Effects of Fluid Dynamics on Vascular Function and Vessel Adaptation, Biofluid Dynamics of the Liver

To understand how mechanical forces influence the biology of human arteries, as related to the development of cardiovascular and liver diseases and their treatment

We are developing the capability to “look inside” human arteries and describe blood flow dynamics – without getting inside. We use a combination of noninvasive imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging, and mathematics to model blood flow in arteries of individual subjects. This allows us to obtain a tremendous amount of information about disease detection, development and treatment in an individual patient.

We also work with vascular biologists to examine how fluid dynamic shear stresses influence endothelial cell function. This helps us understand the causes of arterial disease so that prevention and treatment can be improved.

Biomedical engineering requires close interactions between engineering and medicine, and the chance to be involved with initiating a new joint Department of Biomedical Engineering that is within both Georgia Tech and the Emory School of Medicine was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The close relationships engendered through this partnership offer me the ability to develop unique research and educational activities that I find extremely exciting. The strong support within the State for such an interdisciplinary effort is exceptional.