Abstract: Every time a cell divides, it must equally distribute its chromosomes to its daughter cells. To do so, it builds a large machine called the spindle whose function is mechanical: to move chromosomes. Yet, while we now know nearly all molecules required for spindle function, how they collectively give rise to the spindle’s mechanics remains poorly understood. In this talk, I will discuss our lab’s ongoing efforts to understand how the spindle generates and responds to force to build itself, maintain and remodel its structure, and ultimately segregate chromosomes.