John uses multiple particle tracking microrheology (MPT) to study three-dimensional cell migration in synthetic hydrogel scaffolds which are designed to mimic a cell’s natural microenvironment. These materials can be used as novel wound healing devices to deliver human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to a wound to accelerate healing, especially in wounds which are chronically inflamed. These cells dynamically remodel their environment on multiple length scales in order to stretch and migrate. John studies this cellular remodeling using bidisperse MPT to gain a more complete understanding of the process of cell migration.

John earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University where he also participated in undergraduate research under Professor Andrew Zydney studying membranes for virus separation. He is currently pursuing a Ph. D. in Chemical Engineering. When not researching, John enjoys kayaking and following Philadelphia and Penn State sports.