interests = Our program seeks to determine how cells and tissues integrate chemical and mechanical information to guide normal growth and homeostasis with the ultimate goal of being able to guide these processes with small molecules for therapeutic purposes. To do this, our core research is focused on fundamental biomedical discovery, using genetic, biochemical, and cell biophysical approaches and small molecule screening with the model organism Dictyostelium discoideum. We have also focused heavily on cytokinesis as a model cell morphogenic event. Cytokinesis naturally encapsulates numerous essential aspects of cell shape control, which are at the heart of many normal and disease processes. We then apply our knowledge, tools, and reagents to the study of a variety of human diseases, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and degenerative motor neuron disease. To accomplish such broad efforts, we collaborate closely with engineering and clinical research colleagues in order to facilitate these expansive aspects of our research.