Biomaterial and Musculoskeletal Engineering Lab

Est. 2022

BMEL combines the use natural and synthetic biomaterials along with human and non-human stem cells to develop 3D models of musculoskeletal development and disease, with the ultimate goal of regenerating musculoskeletal tissues following injury or disease.

Research in BMEL combines engineering, biology, and materials science to understand how mechanical and biochemical signals drive musculoskeletal development, maturation, and disease. BMEL uses various materials and custom, 3D printed bioreactors and scaffolds to understand how biomechanical cues can be harnessed to regenerate and repair musculoskeletal tissues.

People

Principal Investigator

Sophia Theodossiou, Ph.D.

Sophia was raised in Athens, Greece, and was fascinated from an early age by how living things work. She completed her BA in Human Biology and Anthropology at Northwestern University in 2012. Following a series of odd jobs (taxi driver, IHOP server, a 3 year stint in the outdoor industry, EMT), she returned to graduate school and completed her PhD in Biological Engineering at the University of Idaho, graduating in the totally normal, not at all unprecedented year of 2020. Sophia spent 2020-2022 in Boston as an NIH IRACDA Postdoctoral Scholar at Tufts University, and a T32 Organ Design and Engineering Training Program Postdoctoral Fellow at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute. In August 2022, she returned to the great state of Idaho as an Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering at Boise State University, and founded the Biomaterials and Musculoskeletal Engineering Lab, or BMEL (“BEE-mehl”). Research in BMEL seeks to understand how mechanical and biochemical signals guide musculoskeletal tissue formation during normal development, with the goal of using developmentally-inspired cues to regenerate these tissues following injury or disease. When not happily engaged in research, mentoring, teaching, or grant writing, you’ll find Sophia (and usually one or more of her dogs) mountain biking, trail running, backcountry or downhill skiing, backpacking, camping, cooking, traveling, reading, unsuccessfully gardening, teaching wilderness medicine courses, volunteering for search & rescue, and sailing between uninhabited islands in her beloved Aegean sea.

Doctoral Students

Brian Penney

Brian was born in Omaha, Nebraska and grew up in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Brian graduated from the University of Idaho in 2022 with his Bachelor’s of Science in Biological Engineering. His undergraduate research focused on biochemical injury factors in tendon. He began his Biomedical Engineering Doctorate in BMEL at BSU in the Fall of 2022. Brian’s research focuses on better understanding the early stages of Osteoarthritis pathogenesis in regards to mechanical alterations in the affected cartilage using models comprised of chondrocytes, macrophages and dynamically stiffening silk scaffolds. He also is using silk microneedle patches for drug delivery with cargo like antifreeze proteins for frostbite treatment and genetically engineered probiotics for neurotransmitter production or inhibition. Outside of research, Brian is an avid rock climber and biker.

Calvin Jones

Calvin was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. In 2021, Calvin graduated from Texas A&M University (WHOOP!) with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biomedical Engineering. After graduation, Calvin worked as a research assistant for a spinal cord injury lab at the Texas A&M Health Science Center. Calvin joined BMEL in the fall of 2022 and began his doctorate in Biomedical Engineering at Boise State University. Calvin’s research focuses on understanding the nanomechanical properties of novel biomaterials. Furthermore, Calvin seeks to better understand how those properties can be modulated to selectively direct the differentiation of cells in aims to improve regenerative therapies of complex musculoskeletal tissues. In his free time, Calvin enjoys watching sports, spending time with friends and family, and exploring the outdoors.

Master Students

McKaelin Edralin

McKaelin was born and raised in Kauai, Hawaii. McKaelin graduated from Brigham Young University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. His undergraduate research focused on developing a mathematical model to predict the rigid foldability in deployable mechanisms whose tiles are formed by a Hamiltonian circuit, characterizing the distribution of tremor in the six degrees of freedom of the hand, and designing a combined electromagnetic and piezoelectric shaker system for high-frequency environment testing. He joined the Mechanical Engineering Master’s program in the Fall of 2024. His research focuses on using low-intensity vibrations to improve tendon healing. In his free time, McKaelin enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, swimming, cooking, and spending time with family.

Sourjja Deep

Sourjjadeepta Biswas, typically known as Sourjja Deep, hails from Bangladesh and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from NIT Surat in India. After his time in the industry in Bangladesh, he joined the Mechanical Engineering master’s program for the fall 2023 at Boise State University in Idaho, USA. Far from home, his passion for biology and a personal experience with a fractured forearm have fueled his commitment to musculoskeletal engineering. His goal is to develop cutting-edge custom biomaterials and innovative medical devices to contribute to his lab’s research in biomedical engineering. In his free time, apart from his usual human activities, he likes to gaze upon the stars and contemplate over the vast continuum of time and space.

Undergraduate Students

Chase Johnson

Chase Johnson was born in Davis, CA and originally came to Boise State University to pursue a nursing degree. After two years he decided his passion lies in biomedical devices and is currently in his third year of pursuing a degree in Engineering + with a minor in biomedical engineering. Chase is very passionate about striving to change the lives of patients in their current condition as well as further advancing the current technologies of biomedical devices. Outside of academics, Chase does whatever it takes to stay active by lifting weights, skiing, and hiking.

Dante Calarco

Dante was born and raised in Chico, CA. After high school, Dante did two years at Butte College for pre-med before transferring to Boise State as a Mechanical Engineering student while also pursuing a minor in Biomedical Engineering. Dante has always been interested in the STEM field, however his interest in engineering and biomechanics grew through football and wrestling injuries, as well working in various manual labor jobs. His experiences have lead him to the goal of becoming an engineer working on medical devices, advanced prosthetics, or ergonomic design. Outside of school, Dante likes to spend time with friends and family, hiking, fishing, and working out.

Emily Baclayon

Emily was born and raised in Taiwan before immigrating to the U.S. with her family in 2018. Prior to Boise State, she earned her associate’s degree in general studies from Idaho State University. Currently, she’s pursuing a degree Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Biomedical engineering. Being part of BMEL has allowed her to take an applied approach to her learning and explore potential career options. Whatever it may be, she hopes to make a difference in impoverished communities. Outside of school, Emily plays music for the community and enjoys spending time at coffee shops.

Oliver Daly

Oliver Daly was born in Oceanside, CA but grew up in Meridian, ID and is going to Boise State University to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. With his degree he is hoping to use it for good and help a community in need or bring people joy. Joining the BMEL has opened a door for him to work on biomedical devices and learn about the vast range of applications biomedical engineering has to offer. He hopes to keep options open, looking at potential minors to add to his education and how he can change the lives of those around him. Outside of academia, Oliver enjoys watching a variety of movies, playing video games, and working on cars. When not inside, he is still hanging out with friends on adventures to climb, ski, or find food.

Skyler Kichak

Skyler was born in Morgantown, West Virginia and grew up in Boise, Idaho. Skyler is in his third year of Engineering +, pursuing minors in Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry and Applied Mathematics. Immersion when problem solving has been an integral part of Skyler’s education; a good solution comes from a holistic understanding of the problem itself. It has always been his dream to change lives and have a little fun along the way. In supporting his dream, Skyler has worked in various kitchens across the valley and finds it an enjoyable way to support his education. Outside of school, Skyler enjoys long hikes and spending time with family.

Taylor Izzard

Taylor was born in Everett, Washington and raised in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. In Spring 2023, he graduated from North Idaho College with an Associate Degree in General Studies. Taylor is in his first year of studying Kinesiology with an emphasis in Neuromechanical Science while also pursuing a Biomedical Engineering Minor. He loves to constantly learn as much as possible about everything he can, whether that be inside or outside of his formal education. A career in biology has always been on his radar, and being in BMEL allows him to learn how a lab works while simultaneously contributing to meaningful research. Outside of education, Taylor loves getting outside regardless of the weather or other conditions. During the summers, he works for a whitewater fishing guide company on the Deschutes River, Oregon. The few times that he is not able to get outside, Taylor still loves to learn a variety of skills such as sewing, the German language, daydreaming, and music.

Christopher Turmes

Topher is an Idahoan native, born and raised in the Boise area. He is currently a CWI student and CAES scholarship recipient, working towards his Associate’s in Engineering. After his time at CWI, he plans on transferring to BSU to focus on Biomedical Engineering with a Biochem focus. Originally wanting to be a veterinarian, he came to understand engineering was his true calling. The combination of biology and chemistry in the Biomedical Engineering field brought him in, and now he is chomping at the bit for any research experience. Topher is driven to leverage a research background in pursuit of novel therapeutics and, ultimately, a cure for Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Outside of school, Topher draws, plays video games, gardens, crochets, sews, and goes to local metal and electronic music shows.

Interns and Rotating Students

Medical Students

Jonathan Netter

Jonathan was born and raised in Sonoma, California. He completed his Bachelor’s of Science in Bioengineering: pre-medical at the University of California at San Diego. After receiving his degree, he worked in an orthopedic lab quantifying material wear for total knee and hip prosthetic implants. He also developed computer models which validated the experiments to predict wear rates in future untested designs. After helping a few patients in the lab, Jonathan decided he wanted to pursue a career in medicine to have more of these interactions helping patients. Currently, he is finalizing his first year of medical school at Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. Grounded in research, Jonathan hopes to bridge the gap from the lab bench to the clinic to offer novel and effective solutions to existing medical problems. He is particularly interested in understanding cartilage injury and repair mechanisms. In his free time, you might catch Jonathan golfing, hiking, lifting weights, strumming the guitar or playing chess.

Karsen Krebs

Karsen was born and raised in Plains, MT and graduated from Montana State University in 2021, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with an emphasis in pre-medical studies. Currently, he is finishing his first year of medical school at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine and is interested in pursuing the fields of orthopedics and sports medicine and getting involved with musculoskeletal research efforts. Outside of school, Karsen is a new dad, musician, and private pilot, while also enjoying anything outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.

Alumni

Jordan Daw

Position Held: Laboratory Technician

At BMEL: Jordan played a crucial role in establishing BMEL, initially as the lab’s first undergraduate and later as a Lab Tech. Jordan contributed to various projects, which incorporated biomaterial synthesis, 3D printing, design, cell culture, and mechanical testing, and also established many of the lab’s protocols.

Now: Happily married and in pursuit of becoming an M.D.!

Tawa Giwa

Position Held: Undergraduate Researcher

At BMEL: Tawa was actively involved in cell culture and regularly assisted with the synthesis of silk fibroin microneedles.

Now: In pursuit of completing her undergraduate in Mechanical Engineering!

Publications

News

Recent News

Taylor and Skyler give a poster presentation at Boise State’s 2025 Undergraduate Student Showcase

  • Title of Poster: “B-Catenin Regulation during TGF-B2-Induced Tenogenesis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Impacts on Cadherin Cell-Cell Junctions”
  • April 15, 2025, Boise, Idaho

Brian and Deep give poster presentations at Boise State’s 2025 Graduate Student Showcase

  • Brian’s Poster: “TGFB-2 Increases B-Catenin Expression and Prevents Apoptosis in KASH-Disrupted Mechanically Insensitive Cells”
  • Deep’s Poster: “A Combines-Modeling and Hardware Approach to Mechanically Characterze TASF-SF Bioinks”
  • April 9, 2025, Boise, Idaho

Past Highlights

Escaping the winter weather at Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) 2025!

  • Calvin’s Poster: “Nanomechanically Tunable Biomaterials for Directed Myotendinous Junction Tissue Differentiation”
  • Brian’s Poster: “KASH-Disrupted Nuclear Mechanosensation in Tendon”
  • Accepted abstract co-authors between all presentations: Jordan T. Daw, Taylor Izzard, Skyler Kichak, Gunes Uzer, Sophia K. Theodossiou
  • February 7-11, 2025, Phoenix, Arizona

Boise State was well represented at Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) 2024!

  • Calvin’s Presentations:
  • Oral Platform: “Nanomechanically Tunable Biomaterials for Directed Musculoskeletal Tissue Differentiation”
  • Oral Platform: “Pre-Staining Silk Fibroin with Sudan Black B Attenuates Autofluorescence and Maintains Hydrogel Cytocompatibility and Physiologically-Relevant Mechanical Properties”
  • Brian’s Presentations:
  • Oral Platform: “Silk Fibroin Microneedle Patches: A Cheap, Modular Drug Delivery System for Uncommon and Challenging Therapeutics”
  • Poster: “KASH-Disrupted Nuclear Mechanosensation in Tendon”
  • Deep’s Poster: “Predictable Stiffness and Rapid Crosslinking: 3D Printing with Novel SF-Alginate Bioink”
  • Accepted abstract co-authors between all presentations: Jordan T. Daw, Taylor Izzard, Skyler Kichak, Antonio Reyes, Amevi Semodji, Mason Fort, Tawakalitu Giwa, Victor Nguyen, Konrad Meister, Trevor Lujan, Paul Davis, Gunes Uzer, Sophia K. Theodossiou
  • October 23-26, 2024, Baltimore, Maryland

The 2024 Musculoskeletal Biology and Bioengineering Gordon Research Seminar and Conference (GRS, GRC) were an incredible experience!

  • Brian’s Poster: “Modeling Early Osteoarthritic Environments via Dynamically Stiffening Silk Scaffolds with cocultured Macrophages and Chondrocytes”
  • Calvin’s Poster: “Nanomechanically Tunable Biomaterials for Directed Musculoskeletal Tissue Differentiation”
  • Accepted abstract co-authors between both presentations: Jordan T. Daw, Taylor Izzard, Jonathan Netter, Sophia K. Theodossiou
  • August 3-4, 4-9, 2024, Proctor Academy, Andover, New Hampshire

Skyler presents his proposed research for his NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) internship at The 2024 Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research (ICUR)

  • Skyler was awarded with ISGC funding for his proposed project for Summer 2024!
  • Title of Poster: “The Role of Circadian Signaling in Astronaut Tendon Strength”
  • July 17, 2024, Boise, Idaho

BMEL confocal images of 3D cellular constructs get selected for display at the Stein Luminary digital art museum

  • Title of exhibit: “The Smallest Energy Users: Muscle Cells and their First Days of Development”
  • April 5, 2024, The Keith and Catherine Stein Luminary, Boise, Idaho

Dr. Theodossiou gives insightful podium presentation at Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) 2024

  • Title: “Disabling Mechanosensing via the LINC Complex Impacts Developing Tendon Mechanics and Collagen Morphology”
  • Accepted Abstract Authors: Jordan T. Daw, Brian T. Penney, Calvin L. Jones, Nicholas M. Pancheri, Scott Birks, Gunes Uzer, Nathan R. Schiele, Sophia K. Theodossiou
  • February 2-6, 2024, Long Beach, California

BMEL travels to the Medical University of Vienna for the European Open Source 3D Bioprinting Workshop 2023!

  • December 11-13, 2023, Vienna, Austria

Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) 2023 was a success!

  • Brian’s Poster: “Silk Fibroin Microneedle Patches for Transdermal Delivery of Uncommon Therapeutics”
  • Calvin’s Poster: “Defining the Macro- and Nanomechanics of Mechanically Tunable Biomaterials to Improve Control of Cellular Behavior”
  • Jordan was a co-author on both
  • October 11-14, 2023, Seattle, Washington

Calvin completes Directed Research Internship at the University of Texas Southwestern

  • Internship was in the Dean Lab, Advanced Imaging Laboratory, under Dr. Kevin Dean
  • Calvin’s main project focused on inserting a fluorescent mechanosensitive channel of conductance in melanoma cells to study membrane tension in cancerous conditions. Calvin also assisted in 3D imaging of cells in biomaterials using novel light sheet microscopes as well as designing and 3D printing parts for custom light sheet microscopes.
  • Summer 2023, Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas

Brian and Calvin give poster presentations at Boise State’s 2023 Graduate Student Showcase

  • Brian’s Poster: “Novel Probiotic Administration Route using Silk Microneedles”
  • Calvin’s Poster: “AFM Characterization of the Cellular Nanomechanical Environment”
  • April 11, 2023, Boise, Idaho

BMEL represents Boise State at Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) 2023

  • February 10-14, Dallas, Texas

Contact Us

Available Postitions

  • There are currently no openings for positions within the lab, however, undergraduates and potential graduate students are always encouraged to inquire.

This website reflects only BMEL and is not a publication of Boise State University, which bears no responsibility for its content.