Juan M. Jiménez Ph.D.
Principle Investigator
Dr. Juan M. Jiménez is an assistant professor of biomedical engineering in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst.
Lab Mission
Our laboratory studies the interaction between fluid flow and biology, by integrating fluid dynamic engineering, cellular and molecular biology. Body fluids or biofluids, such as blood, lymph, and cerebrospinal fluid continuously interact with cells in the body eliciting biochemical and physical responses. Our research seeks to elucidate the fluid flow characteristics and fluid flow-dependent biomolecular pathways relevant in medicine.
Cardiovascular stents, fluid flow and endothelial cell phenotype
Our research explores how blood flow perturbations caused by the stent design contribute to in-stent restenosis and thrombosis, studying the impact of the fluid forces on blood components and endothelial cells.
Cerebral aneurysm formation, fluid flow and vascular phenotype
In collaboration with clinicians and computation fluid dynamicists, our laboratory explores how blood flow in the cerebral vasculature may play a role in the initiation and progression of cerebral aneurysms.
The role of lymphatic fluid flow in development, immunity, cancer metastasis and lymphedema
In collaboration with a team of cardiologists and vascular biologists, we have demonstrated that fluid flow serves as a physical stimulus inducing expression of genes required for lymphatic valve development.
Sperm Motility
In collaboration with Dr. Pablo E. Visconti from the UMass Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences we are studying the effects of different chemoattractant and chemorepulsive signals on sperm motility and its relation to fertility.
Fish Mechanotransduction
Bone mechanotransduction is critical for normal growth and bone health. We are studying the effects of exercise on mechanotransduction and bone growth.