Dr. Ferguson’s research utilizes cutting edge materials science and imaging tools to examine how tissue structure, mechanical function and competence are affected by aging, disuse, and metabolic disease. Her overarching research aim is to characterize how tissue and cell changes correlate with impaired tissue function to: (i) improve the quality of clinical diagnoses and patient care and (iIi) promote advances in materials development for tissue engineering and medical device design. To achieve these goals, Dr. Ferguson’s team questions: (1) How aging, mechanical loading, and metabolic disease (e.g., kidney disease) increase bone fracture risk and cartilage degeneration? (2) What is the nature of the functionally-graded interface between bone and cartilage? How can we use advanced tools to regenerated injured tissues? (3) What mechanisms cause tissue mechanical failure, particularly the cervix and the placental membranes, in pregnancy and preterm birth?
GEEN 1400 - Engineering Projects
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
First-year students solve real engineering design problems in interdisciplinary teams. Design projects vary by section. Curriculum focuses on iterative design process, teamwork and team dynamics, supporting design with testing and analysis, and technical writing. Completed projects are exhibited at an end-of-semester design expo. Students are responsible for contributing towards their design project budget, workshop costs, and course arduino kit (approximately $125). Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 2500, ASEN 1400, ASEN 1403 and ECEN 1400.
MCDB 6000 - Introduction to Laboratory Methods
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023
Introduces methodology and techniques used in biological research. Designed as a tutorial between a few students and one faculty member. Students are expected to read original research papers, discuss findings, and to plan and execute experiments in selected areas. May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
MCEN 2063 - Mechanics of Solids
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
Covers axial forces, transverse forces, bending moments and torque on beams, shafts, columns and tensile members. Calculations of stresses from each of these loads, stresses in pressure vessels, stress concentrations. Stress transformation, principal stresses and maximum shear stress using Mohr�s circle, combined load, failure criteria. Hooke�s law, deflection and statically indeterminate structures, thermoelasticity. Degree credit not granted for this course and CVEN 3161.
MCEN 4133 - Intro to Tissue Biomechanics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022
Focuses on developing an understanding of the fundamental mechanical principles that govern the response of hard and soft biological tissue to mechanical loading. Specifically, covers mechanical behavior of biological materials/tissues, classical biomechanics problems in various tissues, the relationship between molecular, cellular and physiological processes and tissue biomechanics and critical analysis of related journal articles. Same as MCEN 5133.
MCEN 5133 - Intro to Tissue Biomechanics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022
Focuses on developing an understanding of the fundamental mechanical principles that govern the response of hard and soft biological tissue to mechanical loading. Specifically, covers mechanical behavior of biological materials/tissues, classical biomechanics problems in various tissues, the relationship between molecular, cellular and physiological processes and tissue biomechanics and critical analysis of related journal articles. Same as MCEN 4133.
MSEN 2000 - Materials in Technology
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024
Introduces the basic principles of materials science including material properties and function with a focus on the role of materials in technology. Explores the current research and industrial applications of materials in biotechnology, medicine, energy, sustainability, computing, and construction.
