I am interested in how cells control their shape and sizes and how this is important for cell function. Many cells divide symmetrically but some cells can divide asymmetrically in size generating two cells of different volume. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells that can give rise to the three germ layers. Evidence indicates they can maintain pluripotency whilst giving rise to progenitor cells for all the embryo cells, suggesting that they are capable of asymmetric division. However, the cell biology of embryonic stem cell division is poorly understood. Interestingly, embryonic stem cells have mechanical properties very different from their differentiated counterparts, and their fate is strongly influenced by the mechanical properties of the substrate, suggesting that stem cell division might be asymmetric with respect to daughter cell mechanics. Using live microscopy and microfabrication, I am currently investigating how cell division is regulated in mouse embryonic stem cells.