Christopher Davidson
Fourth Year PhD Student Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan
Hometown:
Omaha, NE
Education:
BS in Biological Systems Engineering, 2016, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Research Interests:
My research interests are in tissue engineering, biomaterials, and mechanobiology. Through my graduate studies, I aim to study the role of mechanical and topographical properties of the extracellular matrix in regulating the self-assembly of endothelial cells into networks of blood vessels. Specifically, I hope to discern the role of cell-ECM mechanical interactions during this process through developing synthetic fibrous biomaterials with well-defined and tunable mechanical properties. This research will aid in the design of biomaterials that facilitate the rapid formation of vasculature and rapid host integration following implantation, which are significant outstanding challenges in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Outside Interests:
Outside of the lab, I enjoy watching TV series and movies at home with my wife, following college sports, running, and cooking. My favorite things to do in Ann Arbor are trying new craft beers with friends at local breweries and taking my dog on long walks at Nichols Arboretum.
Publications:
Wang WY, Davidson CD, Lin D, Baker BM. “Actomyosin contractility-dependent matrix stretch and recoil induces rapid cell migration,” Nature Communications, 2019, doi:10.1038/s41467-019-09121-0. Davidson CD, Wang WY, Zaimi I, Jayco DKP, Baker BM. “Cell force-mediated matrix reorganization underlies multicellular network assembly,” Scientific Reports, 2019, doi:10.1038/s41598-018-37044-1.
Awards:
2018, World Congress of Biomechanics – ASME-BED Student Paper Competition Runner Up 2018, Society for Biomaterials Annual Meeting – Outstanding Abstract Honorable Mention 2017, University of Michigan Engineering Graduate Symposium – TCB Poster 1st Prize 2016, National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
Abstracts:
Davidson CD, Wang WY, Baker BM. “Cell-mediated matrix recruitment underlies endothelial cell network formation.” 8th World Congress in Biomechanics, Dublin, Ireland, July 8-12, 2018, poster. Davidson CD, Wang WY, Baker BM. “Force propagation through fibrous matrices modulates endothelial cell network formation.” Society for Biomaterials Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, April 11-14, 2018, podium.