The Systems Biomedicine and Pharmaceutics research lab at Oklahoma State University led by Dr. Ford Versypt develops and uses multiscale systems engineering approaches including mathematical modeling and computational simulation to enhance understanding of the mechanisms governing tissue remodeling and damage as a result of diseases and infections and to simulate the treatment of those conditions to improve human health. We specialize in modeling the mass transport processes and chemical kinetic interactions related to physiological conditions, disease onset and progression, and therapeutic interventions. We also develop and refine computational software elements to support multiscale modeling of such systems. We draw from an interdisciplinary skillset in chemical engineering, pharmaceutics, physiology, applied mathematics, and computational science. We have also applied our techniques to non-human biological systems and to biomaterials. In this seminar, vignettes of recently published work from the lab in three lines of research will be highlighted including (1) bumblebee behaviors in response to chronic exposure to pesticides, (2) metastatic cancer spread, and (3) glucose-stimulated damage to kidney cells during diabetes and the effects of preventative pharmaceutical treatments. The latter area has recently been funded by an NSF CAREER award and exemplifies the integration of teaching, research, and outreach.
