Ken Ritchie

Ken Ritchie is a Professor and Associate Department Head in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Purdue University. He holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Physics from the University of Waterloo and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of British Columbia. His research focuses on single molecule biophysics, membrane dynamics, and stochastic signaling responses in cells.

Research Interests:

• Dynamics of signaling complex formation in cell membranes
• Stochasticity in cellular signaling
• Diffusion in lipid bilayers with obstacles
• Ultra-fast imaging techniques for live cells

His work includes developing cutting-edge imaging tools like ultrafast cameras for observing individual molecules. Over 20 years of professional experience includes roles at Nagoya University and the Kusumi Membrane Organizer Project in Japan.

Advising & Labs:

• Supervised 8 PhD students in topics like membrane receptor dynamics and bacterial signaling systems.
• Laboratory focuses on single-molecule biophysics and live-cell imaging technologies.