Wolfgang Losert

Wolfgang Losert is a **Professor of Physics** and Interim Associate Dean for Research in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland. He is also Co-Director of the UMD-NCI Partnership for Integrative Cancer Research and affiliated with the Institute for Physical Science and Technology (IPST). His research bridges physics, biology, and data science, focusing on the quantitative analysis of living systems, including cell migration, neural networks, and granular materials.

Losert’s work emphasizes using physical signals (light, EM fields, texture) to control cell behavior, particularly in epithelial and neural systems. He has pioneered methods like **excitable systems theory** to study cellular sensing and response, with applications in cancer research, neurobiology, and environmental health. Key collaborations include projects on astrocyte dynamics, actin wave signaling, and the impact of nanotopography on cell behavior.

His lab integrates advanced microscopy, machine learning, and computational modeling. Notably, he contributed to founding the APS Group on Data Science (GDS) and received an APS Innovation Award for developing the Data Science Education Community of Practice (DSECOP). His interdisciplinary approach addresses challenges in biophysics, materials science, and systems biology.

**Awards**: APS Innovation Award (2021). **Labs**: Biodynamics Lab, Optics Lab. **Outreach**: Maryland Day demonstrations on cell tracking and granular physics.