Theory and Computation of Biological Processes and Soft Materials
Research Program
Identify critical problems in human health, biotechnology, and energy that involve complex physical phenomena that are not predictable by existing theories
Develop analytical theory (~80% effort) and simulation (~20% effort) of soft materials and biological phenomena
Existing models frequently require novel technical development to capture experimental behavior or to permit analysis at appropriate time and length scales
Model development involves initial derivation, theoretical analysis, simulation implementation (when necessary), and experimental validation
Educate theorists to engage in multi-disciplinary problems through a rigorous process of learning a diverse range of complex subjects in chemistry, biology, and physics
Problem Selection Philosophy
Research areas and disciplines where soft-materials and polymer physics insights are absent and would lead to major advancements
Projects where fundamental insight and development of theoretical methodologies would not only impact targeted problems but would advance many other research areas
Engage “dirty” problems
In vivo biological processes involving broad range of length and time scales
Heterogeneous and partially ordered soft materials where physical insight is lacking