| TEAM MEMBERS
Leader 1
Leader 2
Student 1 (No Last Name)
Student 2
INTRODUCTION
For tissues to form, individual cells must assemble into multi-celullar structures and communicate with one another. This project examines how cells use mechanical forcesto signal to one another and to form multi-cellular structures. Specifically, the role of collagen, a fibrous protein that surrounds the cells, will be explored. It is hypothesized that the cells pull on the collagen fibers (similar to how we would pull on ropes) to transmit forces over long distances. To test this hypothesis, microscopy images of cells and collagen fibers (see image) in conjunction with computer simulations are used to understand force transmission through these collagen fibers.
THE PROJECT: Biomechanical Regulation of Cellular Signaling and Organization
Students do a vast amount of work in a short period of time to finish their projects. It is a crash course in time management. First, they learn UNIX, the operating system of the computers they used. Then they learn a programming language and the software needed to compute their projects. Students are required to do their own work from code implementation to final presentations. The ability to develop algorithms and an understanding of the project's science/engineering basis are needed. Finally, the students make a video animation displaying their simulation data -- which is the ultimate goal of each project. Groups present their findings and animations to family members, OSC staff, and guests attending the SI Closing Ceremonies | 
