Embryonic development is the wondrous and incredibly complex process through which a single cell transforms into the complex adult body form. Our lab studies basic questions in embryonic development, including cell differentiation, morphogenesis, and organogenesis. We use a variety of in vivo and in vitro experimental approaches, including advanced microscopy, microsurgery, gene expression profiling, genetic manipulation, mechanobiology, and physical modeling. We use the chick embryo as our primary model system. Studyong embryonic development is fascinating for its own sake, and also because it can give insights into the causes of human birth defects and cancer.
