Biological Applications research faculty in OSU Mechanical Engineering apply the tools of engineering to the study of life-science phenomena, both to develop methodologies for manipulating and interacting with these phenomena and to derive inspiration from the phenomena for other engineering projects. Living systems of interest to engineers span the entire known spectrum on this planet, from the macro scale, where new technologies may address the problems of global climate change, to the micro scale, where nanotechnology applications may benefit Earth's smallest inhabitants.
Biological Applications research faculty work at many levels within this spectrum. For example, they study relationships between structure and mechanical properties of biological materials and biomaterials; structural components of biological systems; design methods for adaptable systems in diverse habitat; evolutionary algorithms; and neuro control. They bring interdisciplinary analysis, experimental, and design capabilities to problems of human health, monitoring and restoration of the natural world, and characterization and utilization of natural resources. |
