James H. Henderson Research Group

His research examines mechanical, biochemical, and topological signals that regulate cell differentiation and function. Programmable materials allow researchers to change features such as surface patterns or mechanical properties during cell culture and observe the response. The work combines biomaterials, cell experiments, and quantitative analysis to understand how engineered surroundings can guide living cells. These questions connect fundamental tissue biology with possible cell-based approaches to repairing damaged musculoskeletal tissues.