David R. Nelson

David R. Nelson is the Arthur K. Solomon Professor of Biophysics and Professor of Physics and Applied Physics at Harvard University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). He leads a research group focused on collective phenomena in condensed matter physics and biophysics, emphasizing fluctuations, geometry, and statistical mechanics. His work spans liquid crystal phases, metallic glasses, graphene mechanics, and biophysical systems like viral capsid stability and microbial range expansions. Collaborations include Bertrand Halperin (flux line entanglement in superconductors) and Andrew Murray (genetic competition dynamics). Key contributions include the hexatic phase theory and studies of dislocation-mediated melting. His research bridges physics and biology, addressing topics like viral morphology, bacterial cell wall dynamics, and spatial population genetics in turbulent flows.

• Education: Not explicitly stated in provided texts.
• Research Themes: Statistical mechanics of membranes, liquid crystals, viral physics, and evolutionary dynamics in fluid environments.
• Recent Trends: Publications emphasize geometric effects (e.g., cones and curved surfaces) on material and biological systems, with a focus on defect dynamics and phase transitions.
• Grants/Advising: Active in interdisciplinary projects (e.g., NIH-funded microbial competition studies), but specific grant details not provided.
• Labs/Teams: Leads the David Nelson Group at Harvard Physics, collaborating with institutions like the University of Rome Tor Vergata (Benzi, Toschi) and MIT (Bowick).