Dr. Kohn’s research group is interested in biomimetics, or understanding and subsequently mimicking how Nature designs materials. Specifically our laboratory investigates 2 aspects of biomineralization (i.e. how bones, teeth and seashells are formed). First, we seek to understand how the organization of mineralized tissues results in mechanical competence and, conversely, how with aging and disease alterations in organization result in increased susceptibility to fracture. Second, we seek to utilize aspects of biomineralization as a design basis for developing biomaterials that can control cell and molecular function. A more long-term, applied and clinically-motivated goal is to ultimately utilize this information to develop approaches to replace and/or regenerate tissues. Dr. Kohn teaches courses on biomaterials, tissue engineering and biomedical design in both the College of Engineering and School of Dentistry.