A.M., Ph.D., Physics, Harvard University B.S., Physics, B.S., Mathematics, University of California, Irvine

Dr. Tien and his group focus on the engineering of functional tissues through control of the cellular microenvironment. Of particular interest is the synthesis of microvascular networks that can serve as in vitro models of microcirculatory diseases or as ex vivo scaffolds for the perfusion of macroscopic tissues. Members of the group apply their understanding of fundamental biology to design structured biomaterials that orient, localize, or alter cellular interactions to elicit desired behavior. This work uses techniques adapted from molecular biology, surface chemistry, materials science, and lithography, and develops new technologies in-house as needed.