Susan Margulies

Prof. Margulies’ research focuses on biomechanics, particularly the mechanical behavior of brain and lung tissues under dynamic conditions. Her work investigates injury mechanisms and cellular responses to mechanical forces, employing experimental and computational approaches. She aims to elucidate the relationships between tissue structure, mechanical properties, and physiological function, contributing to improved injury prevention and therapeutic strategies. Research activities involve multidisciplinary collaboration and student participation. 

Our research program spans the micro-to-macro scales in two distinct subfields: traumatic brain injury and ventilator-induced lung injury. Using an integrated biomechanics approach consisting of relevant animal models, cell and tissue experiments, and complementary computational models and human studies, we generate new knowledge about the structural and functional responses of the brain and lung to their mechanical environment. We have pioneered new methods for measuring functional effects of large or repeated tissue distortions; identified injury tolerances, response cascades, and causal signaling pathways; and translated these discoveries to preclinical therapeutic trials to mitigate and prevent brain and lung injuries in children and adults.