Swarthmore College received a three-year, $618,549 Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation on September 15, 2021 to investigate non-linear tissue deformations using hydra mouth opening as a quantitative in vivo model. The award supports research under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049), which aims to promote progress in these scientific fields and strengthen the national scientific enterprise through increasing knowledge and enhancing understanding of major problems. Specifically, the funding will allow investigation of non-linear tissue behavior during hydra mouth opening to develop a quantitative model, advancing fundamental understanding of tissue biomechanics with potential implications across biology and medicine. The place of performance is Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania.