Research Activities

Our research group studies the role of mechanical force in regulating biological function. We use a variety of experimental approaches including protein engineering, tubidimetry, electron and fluorescence microscopy, and Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) in order to study the mechanome at various length and timescales. Some of our projects are described below.


  • Mechanical Forces in Blood Clotting We study the mechanical properties of blood clotting proteins such as fibrin(ogen). Fibrin fibers, which hold blood clots together, are among the most elastic materials in nature. We map out the molecular origins of these properties using protein engineering and variety of innovative tools. Success in these projects will provide novel avenues in therapeutics and biomaterials design.

    Researchers: Heather Belcher, Nick Kirby, Hannah Sowers
    Collaborators: Mike Falvo (UNC-CH), Alisa Wolberg (UNC-CH), Marthin Guthold (Wake Forest), Adam Offenbacher (ECU), Mehmet Sen(Houston)
  • Molecular Mechano-cleavage Protein cleavage (proteolysis) plays an important role in enzyme activation/inactivation, cell signaling, and blood clotting. We are interested in how force can allosterically control proteolysis. Recent projects and publications have focused on the role of tension in regulating the digestion of blood clots (fibrinolysis). Additional projects involve designing novel mechano-cleavable proteins

    Researchers: Spencer Lynch, Ethan Stoll, Mason Verhaeghe
    Collaborators: Brittany Bannish (UCO), Valerie Tutwiler(Rutgers), and Marthin Guthold (Wake Forest)
  • Structure and Function of Blood Clotting Proteins Blood clotting proteins are designed to resist mechanical forces. Many proteins, such as fibrinogen, have structual features or post-translational modifications that enable their specialized functions. We study structure-function relationships within hemostasis using a variety of light scattering and electron microscopy techniques.

    Researchers: Nick Kirby, Caroline Daub, Jose De La Garza, Wyatt Peele
    Collaborators: Mehmet Sen(Houston), Adam Offenbacher (ECU), Valerie Tutwiler (Rutgers), Mario Borgnia (NIEHS).
  • Engineering Molecular Biomechanical Sensing Proteins Our work seeks to engineer novel protein sequences that are able to respond to applied shear or tensile forces. Such constructs can be used to fundamentally understand force-regulated biological processes, such as blood clotting, and in therapies for stroke and blood clotting disorders.

    Researchers: Looking for Motivated Students
    Collaborators: Mark Blenner(Clemson)

Positions Available

Postdoctoral Fellows
Supported postdoctoral fellows should contact Dr. Hudson if you are interested in research in the Hudson Lab.

Graduate Students
The Hudson Lab is always seeking motivated graduate students. Students interested in working in the Hudson Lab should apply to the ECU graduate school. Email Dr. Hudson if you want to discuss specific areas of interest.

Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate students are essential to the Hudson Lab. Research positions are available for reliable, highly self-motivated students willing work hard and spend significant time in the lab. Students must be able to work and think independently, keep detailed records, and seek help when necessary. Email Dr. Hudson if you want to discuss specific areas of interest.


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