Dr. Alford received his Ph.D in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis and was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard University. His current work focuses on the biomechanics and mechanotransduction of vascular tissue and vascular smooth muscle cells, as well as traumatic brain injury. His research is supported by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and the American Heart Association. This year is Dr. Alford’s first year as a McNair faculty mentor.