November 1, 2007
Thomas to give Science in Medicine Lecture Nov. 14
Wendy Thomas, assistant professor in the Department of Bioengineering, will give the New Investigator Science in Medicine Lecture Wednesday, Nov. 14, from noon to 1 p.m., in Hogness Auditorium, A-420 Health Sciences Center.
Thomas’ lecture topic is How Mechanical Forces Activate a Nanoadhesive. Her research group studies a counterintuitive phenomenon called catch bonds. These bonds become stronger as they are stretched by mechanical forces, but relax and detach when the force lets up. Thomas is interested in medical applications of catch bonds in manufacturing “smart” nanoadhesives that can be regulated with mechanical force for applications as diverse as drug delivery and medical microrobotics.
Thomas received her doctorate in bioengineering from the UW in 2003 and joined the faculty in 2004.
The lecture will be simulcast at Harborview Medical Center, Research & Training Building, room 113, and the VA Puget Sound Health Care System — Seattle Division, Bldg. 1, room 518; American Lake Division, Bldg. 2, room 343; and VA HSR&D Met Park Main Conf. Room, suite 1400.
The lecture is open to all faculty, staff and students.
For more information, please contact Vee White at veewhite@u.washington.edu or 206-543-8319.
