College of Science & Engineering
Twin Cities
The Bushnell Oncomaterials Research Group (ORG) focuses on advancing biomaterials and animal models to investigate how the tissue microenvironment, particularly immune interactions, regulates breast cancer metastasis. By developing synthetic metastatic niches and immunocompetent models, ORG aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying metastatic dormancy and recurrence. The group's approach integrates systems biology to analyze the biochemical, biophysical, and cellular components of dormant versus proliferative niches, aiming to identify therapeutic targets for metastatic breast cancer. Through collaborative efforts with other engineers, biologists, and clinicians, ORG seeks to pioneer new strategies for preventing metastatic relapse and improving outcomes for millions of breast cancer survivors.