Beth L. Pruitt

Biography

Beth L. Pruitt is working as Professor Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering Member of Bio-X, Cardiovascular Institute, Child Health Research Institute, Stanford Neurosciences Institute. Faculty Fellow of Stanford ChEM-H.

Research Interest

We seek to understand the role of mechanics in biology and force sensitive pathways in cell-cell adhesion and subcellular organization, the role of mechanical environment on the structure and function of stem cell derived cardiomyocytes as biophysical models of health and disease, and to develop models of mechanical signaling underlying the sense of touch and hearing. Our research in cell biomechanics and mechanobiology includes development and application of custom microfabricated sensors and systems, new diagnostic tools and analysis systems, and robust manufacture and application of force sensors in harsh environments. We leverage microscale tools to answer novel questions in our lab in the areas of physiology, biology, stem cells, neuroscience and cardiology with an eye toward quantitative and fundamental biophysics.