Studies mucin dynamics to understand its role in friction and shear dissipation. Also investigates how mechanical priming modulates MSC-derived chondrocyte and macrophage behavior under stimulated joint conditions.
Investigates extracellular vesicles derived from extracellular matrix as drivers of musculoskeletal tissue repair in collagen biomaterial scaffolds. Also, applies human bone tissue engineering strategies toward coral regeneration.
T32 Trainee Bioengineering Dressaire and Stowers Labs Cohort 2024-2025
Completed explorations in the labs of Dr. Saleh, Dr. Pruitt, Dr. Dressaire, and Dr. Stowers. Currently completing rotations in the lab of Dr. Dressaire.
Studies the role of viscoelasticity on cell migration through a fibrillar network, using 3D cell cultures to determine the effects of matrix stiffness and stress relaxation on the activation of fibroblasts.
Studies the mechanics of collective cell migration and how different genes modulate the morphology of border cell clusters, a group of 6-8 cells in the Drosophila egg chamber that are an in vivo model for cluster migration. Also investigates additional Rho effectors.
T32 Trainee Bioengineering Dewey and Pruitt labs Cohort 2025-2026
Max is researching both the cargo components and functional effects of cardiac matrix-bound nanovesicles (MBV), with the goal of improving treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Studies vesicle pore opening and disassembly by using colloidal membranes. Also seeks to make cross-linked vesicles that do not fall apart in the absence of depletants, resulting in vesicles with tunable pore sizes.
Aims to identify the fewest components required to generate sustained beating features in active microtubule-kinesin motor systems to develop synthetic cilia
