The O’Connell Lab is directed by Grace D. O’Connell, PhD and is part of the Berkeley Biomechanics Laboratory (BBM), which also includes other Biomechanics (Shawn Shadden Laboratory). The O’Connell Lab employs experimental and computational methods to understand the effect of injury and degeneration on soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system, such as cartilage and ligaments. Current NIH-funded research is using computational modeling to predict outcomes from surgical treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in collaboration with researchers in Arizona and Wisconsin. Research in collaboration with researchers at NASA AMES is focused on understanding how long duration spaceflight alters spine biomechanics and spine health. We also have ongoing research projects with colleagues at UCSF focused on modeling changes in biomechanical movement with osteoarthritis and low back pain. Students interested in cardiovascular biomechanics are referred to Shadden’s research group.

 

 

Aspiring Berkeley undergraduate researchers interested in our work should fill out this Google form. Undergraduate researchers are typically recruited at the beginning of Fall/Spring semesters.