December 5, 2006: Interdisciplinary Speed Networking
Dr. Terry Lechler
Assistant Professor, Cell Biology
lechler@cellbio.duke.edu
1. Please briefly describe your research and the way in which it is interdisciplinary. My research focuses on morphogenesis of tissues - basically how the cells in our body know what shape to be and how to arrange themselves to function as skin, as an intestine, or any other organ. We use a range of cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, and imaging to address these problems. My future goal is to become more interdisciplinary through collaboration. Two areas that I am targeting are bioengineering for design of synthetic substrates and mathematical modeling of morphogenesis.
2. How would you recommend that a student to learn more about your research? I don't have my own website set up, but my department webpage is available at http://www.cellbio.duke.edu/Faculty/Research/Lechler.html. That also has contact information to reach me by email or phone.
3. What kinds of interdisciplinary connections are you interested in making at Duke? Bioengineering (students, faculty) - design of substrates for growth of epidermal stem cells to test physical requirements for asymmetric cell divisions. Mathematical modeling (students, faculty) - Attempt to model the development of the epidermis using a number of measurable variables.
4. In what ways can you see a graduate student from another group or discipline fit into what you discussed above? Depending on the person, the timing, and the current situation in my lab - I can envision interactions anywhere from one time visits, to collaborative research projects.
5. Who are the people at Duke that you collaborate with on interdisciplinary work or have regular discussions about your research? I have had discussions with people in physics and photonics and also those in biomedical engineering. I am new to Duke, so am still establishing interactions.
Last Updated (by wat@duke.edu): 11/27/2006