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Biomechanics plays an important role in the physiology and pathophysiology of many systems in the body; its impact ranges all the way from cellular processes up to whole organ functions. Many cells have been identified as mechanosensitive i.e. these cells change their behavior due to changes in the biomechanical signals they receive.

In the Feola lab, we aim to investigate soft tissue biomechanics with an emphasis on its impact on women’s health. We investigate various ocular pathologies with a primary focus on mechanics, which believed to play a role in Spaceflight Associated Neuro- ocular Syndrome (SANS) and glaucoma. Our approach combines experimental bioemchanics and computational modeling to determine and understand tissue mechanical properties of the eye under various loading conditions. We also strive to incorporate electrophysiology, behavior, and imaging approaches to understand how visual impairments progress over time and correlate to tissue remodeling and changes in biomechanical properties.