The Notre Dame Tissue Mechanics Laboratory offers opportunities for graduate study and research in experimental, computational, and theoretical work in the fields of biomechanics and solid mechanics. Research leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees is conducted on a range of topics. Admission to the progam is through the graduate school on the recommendation of the department and faculty.
Notre Dame now offers a Ph.D. program in Bioengineering. The degree is offered as an interdepartmental program with participating faculty from all of the departments in the College of Engineering and from the Department of Biological Sciences. This program is very flexible and designed to allow students to pursue research and course work in both engineering and biology.
Specialized courses for graduate students interested in bioengineering are offered in biomechanics, biomaterials, cell mechanics, and human kinematics. In addition, the department provides comprehensive course offerings in mechanical engineering and materials science. The departments of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Mathematics offer additional courses of interest. Students are also encouraged to take appropriate courses in biological sciences.
Prospective graduate students may contact Professor Glen Niebur for further information on opportunities in the tissue mechanics laboratory. You are also encouraged to view abstracts of our recent research. You may also contact any of our current students listed on the personnel page.
In addition to focused study in tissue mechanics, collaboration with other researchers in the department allows students to apply traditional engineering science to biological problems. To explore additional opportunities for graduate study in mechanical engineering at Notre Dame, see the individual faculty profiles.
Typically we have two to four undergraduates working in the Tissue Mechanics Laboratory. Previous undergraduates have performed a variety of studies, and several have authored or co-authored publications based on their work.
If you are interested in research in the laboratory, contact Professor Niebur by e-mail or stop by his office. It is desirable to start research during the fall of your junior year, and not later than the fall of your senior year. You can receive a total of six credits for AME 499 (Undergraduate Research) during your undergraduate career. In some instances, there are opportunities for funded research over the summer months or during the academic year as well.
The Biomedical Engineering Society provides information about careers in bioengineering and biomedical engineering.