Raffaella De Vita, Virginia Tech (IMAGE) Virginia Tech Caption Raffaella De Vita, assistant professor of engineering science and mechanics and director of the Mechanics of Soft Biological Systems Laboratory at Virginia Tech, is combining micro-mechanical models, molecular models, and biological and mechanical experiments to determine the role of the structural components of knee ligament in sprains. The study will focus on the most common orthopedic injuries. Research findings could lead to the creation of replacement grafts and biological scaffolds for damaged ligaments. Credit Virginia Tech Photo Usage Restrictions Maybe used with any coverage of Raffaella De Vita's research. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.