RESEARCH INTERESTS

Cellular Mechanics and the Hydrodynamics of Glaucoma

Glaucoma results from an increase in the intraocular pressure that leads to irreversible damage to the optic nerve, and ultimate, blindness. The increased pressure results from an increased flow resistance in the aqueous outflow pathway. This resistance occurs in or very near a unique endothelium that regulates fluid transport into Schlemm's canal. We are investigating the mechanical forces acting on the cytoskeleton of this endothelium.

Transport Through Connective Tissues

Fluid flow and diffusion through tissues is important for both nutrients delivery and waste disposal. These process are also essential for drug delivery. The studies are aimed at the understanding of the fundamental mechanisms by which fluid and macromolecules are transported through connective tissues.

Esophageal Transport

Food transport through the esophagus involves peristaltic pumping of a slurry-like material. This involves fluid-solid interactions in the transport of non-newtonian fluids. These studies involve modeling this process and comparing model predictions with experimental measurements.

Chaos and Diffusion

Chaotic systems are known to produce diffusional-like behavior in spite of the deterministic character of the governing equations. This project is involved with the use of diffusional behavior as a marker for the onset of chaos in various low dimensional systems. Using a unique method for detecting diffusional behavior, mathematical modeling is used to determine the validity of this approach, and to investigate the relationship between diffusive and chaotic behavior in low order systems.

The Role of Lipids in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) will likely be the leading cause of blindness in the developed world in the next 20 years. We have shown that lipid accumulation in Bruch's membrane, which is next to the retina, contributes to the development of AMD. These studies involve an examination of why this lipid accumulation occurs and how it might be prevented.