The School of Biological Sciences Fall 2025 Seminar Series presents Dr. Ritu Raman

Abstract: All voluntary movement in humans and many other biological creatures is powered by skeletal muscle and controlled by motor neurons. The neuromuscular system is remarkable for its ability to efficiently generate large forces while adapting form and function to changing environmental stimuli. The Raman Lab leverages tissue engineered models of the neuromuscular system to understand and treat diseases that limit human mobility, and to power robots that dynamically sense and adapt to their environments. This talk will discuss our work in: 1) Developing tools to manipulate forces within neuromuscular tissues, thus advancing fundamental understanding of how mechanical stimuli during exercise mediate adaptation and remodeling; 2) Creating predictive design frameworks and fabrication methodologies to deploy robust muscle-actuated machines that leverage the adaptability and sustainability of living tissues. RamanLab.mit.edu