Welcome to BERTEAU Orthopedic Biomechanics Lab (BOBL)

The BOBL is a leading translational research group focused on advancing Musculoskeletal Sciences and Orthopedic Rehabilitation through sophisticated Bone Biomechanics.

Our Mission: Bridging Tissue Microstructure and Clinical Outcomes

Established in 2014 by Dr. Jean-Philippe Berteau, the lab is uniquely positioned at the intersection of engineering and clinical practice. Dr. Berteau's dual expertise—holding advanced degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Biomechanics alongside clinical training in Physical Therapy—drives our foundational commitment to translational research.

We employ a multimodal strategy with state-of-the-art technologies to provide a new, multiscale understanding of bone mechanical behavior. Our research spans three core areas:

  1. Quantitative Tissue Biomechanics: Investigating the causes and detection of bone diseases, such as osteoarthritis and fracture risk, by analyzing bone's structural integrity from the micro-scale (collagen cross-links) to the system level.
  2. Orthopedic Translation: Leveraging our deep clinical knowledge to develop and evaluate evidence-based rehabilitation strategies, including pain management and innovative therapeutic device modeling.
  3. Comparative Mechanobiology: Utilizing unique models, such as teleost fish bone, to gain novel insights into bone's remarkable deformability and mechanical adaptation, informing the development of next-generation biomaterials for orthopedic repair.

The BOBL is the foundational research engine behind the annual BONITOS (Bone and Orthopedics Interdisciplinary Symposium), underscoring our commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

Our Vision & Environment

Our vision is to advance bone research by leading a collaborative team that combines the skills of biomedical engineers, biologists, and mathematicians in an inclusive research environment.

Location & Affiliation: Located within the broader CUNY system, our primary facilities are at the College of Staten Island (CSI). Importantly, the lab is actively affiliated to the New York Center for Biomedical Engineering at City College (CCNY) and the ASRC (Advanced Science Research Center), positioning us as a key inter-institutional hub for research excellence.

Inclusion Statement: The lab is a safe space for LGBTQIA+ people and all diverse individuals committed to excellence in research.

Watch the video below for a look at our primary campus environment (from the Prentiss Does Adventure Channel) :