We specialize in the design and development of new micro- and nano-tools for biological and medical research. We manufacture these tools using microfabrication and innovative processes in nanoscience and bioengineering. By miniaturizing the tool, we can probe the role of cell mechanics at the length scale appropriate to the size of cells and their proteins . Our bodies can be viewed as a hierarchical system where our organs are composed of different tissues, which are defined by cells and what proteins they express. A key aspect to our physiology is how all the small parts come together, e.g. cytoskeleton, focal adhesions, cell-cell contacts, cell membrane, etc. Through studying the coordinated activity of cells and quantifying their mechanical properties, we will understand normal and diseased physiology at a fundamental level.