Elizabeth Haswell’s research group aims to identify the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which cells sense and respond to physical forces. They study the structure, function, regulation, and evolution of mechanosensitive ion channels in the green lineage, using molecular genetics, single-channel patch clamp electrophysiology, live-imaging, and computational modeling approaches. They are also engaged in functional and genetic screens designed to identify novel mechanosensory proteins, and in the development of new tools for the non-invasive analysis of membrane forces.