Christopher Hernandez, professor in the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, was elected a fellow of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES). Individuals are selected based on their demonstrated impactful achievements and contributions within the field of biomedical engineering.
Hernandez’s research focuses on three main areas: musculoskeletal microbiology, bacteria biomechanics and mechanobiology, and bone biomechanics.
The Hernandez Research Group is a leader in the study of the role of the gut microbiome on musculoskeletal tissues and orthopaedic surgery. Their studies of bone and cartilage in mice are among the first to show an effect of the gut microbiome on osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Additionally, the Hernandez Research Group performed the first study demonstrating that the gut microbiome can influence the success of orthopaedic surgery.
In the area of bacteria biomechanics and mechanobiology, the group has developed micro- and nanofluidic systems for studying the mechanical properties of bacteria and the bacterial cell envelope. The same devices make it possible to determine the bacterial response to mechanical stimuli.
Lastly, in bone biomechanics, the group is focused on understanding how bone disease influences bone mechanical performance and the risk of age-related fractures. The ability of a whole bone to resist fracture is determined by characteristics of bone tissue material properties and morphology.
Becoming a BMES Fellow adds to several awards Hernandez has received over the course of his career, including being elected a fellow of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR), the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE). Hernandez has also won a number of awards including the Fuller Albright Award from the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research and the Zellman Warhaft Faculty Commitment to Diversity Award from Cornell University.
Since joining the Sibley School in 2010, Hernandez has made numerous contributions to the department including serving as the Associate Director of Graduate Programs and the Director of Graduate Studies for Mechanical Engineering. He also regularly partners with Cornell Diversity Programs in Engineering and organizes professional development sessions for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers annual conference.
After receiving his Bachelor’s in biomedical engineering from Harvard University, he went on to obtain his M.S. and Ph.D. from Stanford University.
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