Murrell Named a Biomedical Engineering Rising Star

The Biomedical Engineering Society's Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering Special Interest Group has recognized Michael Murrell as a Rising Star, an award that recognizes a select group of exceptional junior principal investigators that have demonstrated research excellence.

Murrell joined the Department of Biomedical Engineering in July 2015 and focuses his research on understanding the mechanical principles that drive major cellular life processes through the design and engineering of novel biomimetic systems. To this end, he develops simplified and tractable experimental models of the mechanical machinery within the cell with the goal of reproducing complex cellular behavior, such as cell division and cell migration. Murrell then combines these 'bottom-up' experimental models with concepts from soft matter physics to gain a fundamental understanding of the influence of mechanics on cell and tissue behavior. In parallel, he hopes to identify new design principles from biology which can be used to create novel technologies.

Murrell will be honored virtually at the 2021 CMBE Awards Symposium on January 22. The event brings together prominent senior leaders who have helped define the field through excellence in research, service, and leadership, as well as promising junior principal investigators who are expanding the field in new and exciting directions.