Michael E. Christiansen                              

B.S. Student
Biological and Environmental Engineering

Project Web Page:

Microfluidic control of neural development

Email:

mec247@cornell.edu

Address:

Cornell University
282 Grumman Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853

Phone:

(607) 253-1552

Michael Christiansen currently works on the microfabrication of devices that provide for the study of an isolated axon.  The micropatterned surface delivers solutes to specific areas along the axon, allowing for close monitoring of growth and development.  He also studies cell morphology on protein-polymer functionalized substrates. 

Michael's long term interests include medical applications of neurobiological methods and research.

Biography

Michael Christiansen came from Colorado to Cornell University as an undergraduate in the fall of 2007.  In addition to his biological engineering major, Michael is seeking a minor in biomedical engineering and hopes to attend medical school after graduation.  Michael joined the Kirby Research group in the spring of 2009, and is also a member of the Institute of Biological Engineers, Cornell chapter.

Current Projects

Current work aims to quantify cell morphology as a function of cell density on protein-polymer functionalized surfaces.

Honors and Awards

-Dean's List, College of Engineering

-ELI undergraduate research funding; summer 2009, fall 2009, summer 2010

Education

- B.S. expected 2011, Cornell University; Biological and Environmental Engineering, with a minor in Biomedical Engineering