Welcome to the Comparative Biomaterials Lab at the University of Guelph led by Dr. Douglas Fudge. We study a wide range of materials made by animals, including nano-scale filaments within cells, slimes secreted to ward off predators, and large tissue-based materials like the keratinous plates of baleen whales.

We are also interested in applying what we learn from the study of biomaterials to real-life problems faced by modern societies, such as how can we make high performance materials for industry that are sustainable in their manufacture and disposal? Animals make materials to suit their needs without the benefit of petroleum and without fouling their environment in the process, and we believe that humans could do the same if we listen to the lessons that animals have to offer.

For information about current research in our lab as well as opportunities for joining our group, see the links to the left.

*Lab News*

Listen to an interview with Dr. Fudge on the science radio show Are We Alone? and learn about current research on hagfish slime.

Check out the latest publications from the Fudge Lab in Integrative and Comparative Biology and Aquatic Mammals.

*FUDGE LAB OPPORTUNITIES*

*Summer Undergraduate Research Position*

We currently have an opening for an NSERC-funded summer research position in the Fudge Lab. For more information, see the following link on the integrative Biology website.

*Graduate Students*

We currently have openings for students who are interested in working on keratin biomechanics, ocular lens mechanics, and cell and cytoskeleton biomechanics.  Please contact Dr. Fudge for more information.

*Undergraduate Thesis Student Position*

We have room for one more 4th year undergraduate thesis student for the 2010/11 academic year. Please contact Dr. Fudge for more information.