Christopher Davidson
PhD Candidate
Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan
cddavid (at) umich (dot) edu
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
Education:
BS in Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska, 2016
MSE in Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2018
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 of lab interests: I enjoy watching TV series and movies 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.
Awards and honors:
2019, SB3C – 2nd place ASME-BED PhD Student Paper Competition
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
2015, Barry Goldwater Scholarship Honorable Mention
Publications:
Davidson CD, Jayco DKP, Wang WY, Shikanov A, Baker BM. "Fiber crimp confers matrix mechanical nonlinearity, regulates endothelial cell mechanosensing, and promotes microvascular network formation," Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 2020, doi:10.1115.1.4048191.
Matera DL, DiLillo KM, Smith MR, Davidson CD, Parikh R, Said M, Wilke CA, Lombaert IM, Arnold KB, Moore BB, Baker BM. "Microengineered 3D pulmonary interstitial mimetics highlight a critical role for matrix degradation in myofibroblast differentiation," Science Advances, 2020, doi:10.1126/sciadv.abb5069.
Aliabouzar M, Davidson CD, Wang WY, Kripfgans OD, Franceschi RT, Putnam AJ, Fowlkes JB, Baker BM, Fabiilli ML, "Spatiotemporal control of micromechanics and microstructre in acoustically-responsive scaffolds using acoustic droplet vaporization," Soft Matter, 2020, doi:10.1039/D0SM00753F.
Davidson CD, Jayco DKP, Matera DL, DePalma SJ, Hiraki HL, Wang WY, Baker BM. "Myofibroblast activation in synthetic fibrous matrices composed of dextran vinyl sulfone," Acta Biomaterialia, 2020, doi:10.1013/j.actbio.2020.01.009.
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.
Abstracts:
Davidson CD, Baker BM. “Intercellular mechanical communication via cell force transmission in synthetic fibrous microenvironments.” BMES 2019 Annual Meeting, October 16-19, 2019, Philadelphia, PA, podium.
Davidson CD, Jayco DKP, Matera DL, Wang WY, Baker BM. “Myofibroblast activation in synthetic fibrous matrices composed of dextran vinyl sulfone.” BMES 2019 Annual Meeting, October 16-19, 2019, Philadelphia, PA, poster.
Davidson CD, Baker BM. “A micropatterning approach to study cellular communication via mechanical forces in fibrous microenvironments.” Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering, and Biotransport Conference, Seven Springs, PA. June 25-28, 2019, podium. 2nd place in PhD student paper competition.
Davidson CD, Jayco DKP, Matera DL, Wang WY, Baker BM. “Myofibroblast activation in synthetic fibrous matrices composed of dextran vinyl sulfone.” Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering, and Biotransport Conference, Seven Springs, PA. June 25-28, 2019, poster.
Davidson CD, Wang WY, Baker BM. “Cell-mediated matrix recruitment underlies endothelial cell network formation.” Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering Conference, January 2-6, 2019, San Diego, CA, podium.
Davidson CD, Wang WY, Zaimi I, Baker BM. “Cell force-mediated matrix reorganization underlies multicellular network assembly.” Toledo CellulArt, Toledo, OH, September 14, 2018, podium.
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.