Bone Biology and Mechanics Lab: BBML

Welcome to the BBML in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI). The BBML is committed to improving our understanding of how the body works through innovative preclinical and clinical research. As our name implies, the lab focuses on bone mechanics (ability to effectively bear loads) and mechanobiology (how cells respond to mechanical stimuli to maintain and/or increase bone mass). We investigate bone from mechanical engineering and materials science perspectives by tying morphology and composition to mechanical function and fracture resistance at discrete length scales throughout bone's hierarchy.

Bone Hierarchy



Our long-term goal is to use combinatorial treatments for a number of relevant diseases that have musculoskeletal complications which lead to bone fragility and fracture. Our current focus is on mechanical and pharmaceutical manipulations of bone quality and quantity to intervene and increase bone fracture resistance even in the face of inferior tissue quality. A common thread that passes through all of our research is an intense focus on collagen and the role it plays in bone health. Our research is currently funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). Full funding details can be found here and information about these grants is also available in the research tab.

Lab Intro

Recent Lab News

The lab is wrapping up another successful year in 2023 and looking forward to 2024 and the campus' transition from IUPUI into IUI and Purdue University in Indianapolis. 2023 saw the funding of 3 new federal grants in the lab, the start of new personnel, and the publication of over 10 peer-reviewed papers. The work wouldn't be possible without our dedicated staff, students, and postdocs. Thanks for all you do, and have a great semester break and a Happy New Year!

The BBML is looking for highly motivated candidates with a solid background in musculoskeletal biomechanics to take the lead on one of several funded projects from the NSF, VA, or NIH. Ideally, the candiates will have experience with in vivo experiments and working as a mentor of students in a research setting. Please click here for information on how to become a part of our team.

Rachel Kohler will be presenting a poster at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Orthopaedic Research Society in Long Beach this coming February.

On July 1, Prof. Wallace took on the role of Acting Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI.

Archived News Items

Recent Research

Research

A variety of research endeavors are currently underway in the BBML. Our work focuses predominantly on bone, muscle and tendon. Click below to learn more about the general areas of research.

BBML People

BBML People

Click below to learn more about the people in our lab who make all of this exciting work possible.



Recent Publication

Publications

Our lab actively publishes in journals spanning the areas of bone and mineral and general biomechanics. To view of list of our publications, click the link below.

How to connect with the BBML: