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Peter FosterView profile

Assistant Professor

• Physics of Living Systems
• Active Matter
• Physical Bioenergetics

Peter Foster is an Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Southern California, affiliated with the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. He leads the Foster Lab at the USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience and Bridge Institute, where he investigates the physics of living systems through the lenses of active matter and physical bioenergetics. Education includes: Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Harvard University (2017) B.S. in Physics and Mathematics from The University of Iowa (2011) Postdoctoral training as Research Scientist at Brandeis University (2021-2022) Physics of Living Systems Fellow at MIT (2017-2021) His research explores energy transduction and emergent behaviors in biological systems across scales, using experimental biophysics and quantitative modeling. Primary investigations focus on cytoskeletal dynamics, nonequilibrium thermodynamics in cells, and self-organizing properties of active biomaterials. The Foster Lab employs interdisciplinary approaches combining optical microscopy, microfabrication, and theoretical frameworks to decode mechanical principles governing cellular processes. Recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate consistent focus on active matter physics, with methodological advances in measuring energy dissipation in cytoskeletal networks and uncovering new instability regimes in biological assemblies. Works frequently integrate concepts from soft matter physics, information theory, and biochemical kinetics to establish quantitative models of cellular energetics. No scientific awards are documented in available materials. Current lab activities center on developing novel experimental platforms for studying active emulsions and chiral crystals in biological contexts, with particular emphasis on nonequilibrium pattern formation. Collaborative projects involve cross-disciplinary teams exploring energy propagation in mitochondrial networks and mechanochemical feedback in developmental systems.

Christoph HaselwandterView profile

Professor

• Theoretical Biophysics
• Membrane Mechanics
• Mechanosensation
• +3 more

Christoph A. Haselwandter is Professor of Physics and Astronomy and Quantitative and Computational Biology at the University of Southern California. His research in biological matter theory develops simple physical models to explain the emergence of functional structures in biology, particularly cell membranes. Key contributions include: Mechanics of mechanosensitive ion channels (Piezo) and their membrane footprints Self-assembly principles governing synaptic receptor domains and emerin nanodomains Elastic energy landscapes of clathrin lattices and caveolae Stochastic models for reaction-diffusion patterning in membranes Renormalization methods for nonequilibrium lattice systems His work combines theoretical physics with quantitative experimental collaborations using techniques like cryoelectron microscopy, high-speed atomic force microscopy, and superresolution imaging.

• Fluid Dynamics
• Nonlinear Phenomena
• Turbulence
• +3 more

Dr. Horst Punzmann is a researcher at the Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, specializing in experimental fluid physics with a focus on nonlinear phenomena, turbulence, surface waves, and plasma physics. His work explores interactions between fluid dynamics and complex systems, including granular matter and microbial processes. Research Projects: Transport control in multi-species fluid suspensions (2019–2024) Novel methods of spill containment on water surfaces (2017–2020) Liquid metamaterial facility for active matter studies (2017) Passive and active swimmers in complex flows (2015–2018) Research Interests: Dr. Punzmann investigates turbulence-driven phenomena, surface wave dynamics, and their applications in fields like biofilm formation and microbial transport. His studies often bridge fluid dynamics with interdisciplinary areas such as biophysics and materials science. Grants & Collaborations: Collaborations include projects on turbulence control, spill mitigation, and metamaterial design. His work is supported by grants focusing on fluid dynamics and active matter systems. Labs & Facilities: He contributes to the Liquid Metamaterials facility, enabling advanced studies of active matter and bacterial flow interactions.

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Nonlinear Physics
• Spatio-Temporal Structures
• +2 more

Alberto Perez Munuzuri is a Professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela, affiliated with the Department of Particle Physics and the Faculty of Physics. He is part of the GFNL Nonlinear Physics Group and the Galician Mathematical Research and Technology Center (CITMAga). His research focuses on condensed matter physics, nonlinear dynamics, and spatio-temporal structures in active media. Education: PhD from University of Santiago de Compostela (1996), thesis: 'Control of spatio-temporal structures through the use of external fields in active media' supervised by Dr. Vicente Pérez Villar. His work explores theoretical and experimental aspects of nonlinear phenomena, with applications to complex systems and pattern formation in physical and biological contexts. Collaborations involve interdisciplinary approaches to active media dynamics and collective behavior in nonequilibrium systems.

Raymond E. GoldsteinView profile

Professor

• Biological Physics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Developmental Biology
• +5 more

Professor Raymond E. Goldstein is the Alan Turing Professor of Complex Physical Systems at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) within the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, a position he has held since 2023 (previously serving as the Schlumberger Professor from 2006-2023). His distinguished academic career includes positions as Professor of Physics and Applied Mathematics at the University of Arizona (1996-2006), Assistant Professor of Physics at Princeton University (1991-1996), and postdoctoral research at the University of Chicago (1988-1991). Professor Goldstein's research focuses on biological physics, conducting both theoretical and experimental investigations into evolutionary biology (particularly the evolution of multicellularity), developmental biology, nonequilibrium phenomena in living systems, and natural pattern formation. His work bridges physics, biology, and mathematics to understand complex biological systems through physical principles. An analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on active matter physics, fluid dynamics at microscales, multicellular organization, and the physics of biological decision-making. His research frequently examines model organisms like Volvox, choanoflagellates, and microalgae to uncover fundamental principles of biological organization and behavior. Professor Goldstein leads the Biological Physics and Mechanics research group at DAMTP, where he investigates the physical principles underlying biological phenomena through a combination of theoretical modeling and experimental approaches. His laboratory explores questions at the intersection of physics and biology, with particular interest in how physical constraints shape biological evolution and function.

Niklas ManzView profile

Professor

• Reaction-Diffusion Systems
• Nonequilibrium Dynamics
• Chemical Wave Phenomena
• +2 more

Niklas Manz is Professor and Physics Department Chair at the College of Wooster, specializing in pattern formation in nonequilibrium systems including chemical waves and fire propagation models. Innovative Analogues: Develops table-top experiments using Belousov-Zhabotinsky reactions to model astrophysical phenomena like black hole event horizons and gravitational lensing. Research Applications: Light-sensitive reaction-diffusion systems Forest fire propagation modeling Biological pattern formation (e.g., geographic tongue) Student Research: Mentors experimental physics projects on wave dynamics, with recent studies on electron drift visualization and BZ reaction catalysts. Education: Ph.D., Physics, Otto-von-Guericke University M.S., Technical University Braunschweig

Mark BradleyView profile

Professor

• Nanotechnology
• Surface Physics
• Ion Bombardment
• +3 more

Mark Bradley is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Colorado State University (CSU), part of the College of Natural Sciences. He holds a B.S. from the University of Toronto (1979) and a Ph.D. from Stanford University (1985). His research focuses on the theory of nanoscale pattern formation induced by ion bombardment of solid surfaces, including ripple dynamics, nanodot arrays, and sputter cone formation. Bradley collaborates closely with experimentalists, using computational modeling and simulations to study surface instabilities and compositional effects. His work has led to groundbreaking theories such as the Bradley-Harper model for ripple formation and the explanation of hexagonal nanodot arrays via surface composition coupling. Recent projects include NSF-funded studies on multilayer blazed gratings and nanopatterning of crystalline Ge surfaces. Bradley has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students, many of whom have pursued advanced degrees at top institutions like UC Davis and Caltech. Bradley’s research also explores sputter yield dynamics, ion-solid interactions, and the mathematical theory of pattern formation in nonequilibrium systems. His group’s findings have been featured in prominent journals like Physical Review Letters and Journal of Applied Physics , with over 1,100 citations for his seminal 1988 paper on ripple topography. He has delivered plenary talks at international conferences and served as an editor for Nanophysics in Open Physics . Labs/Teams: Bradley leads the Bradley Group at CSU, a multidisciplinary team combining theoretical physics, computational modeling, and experimental collaboration. Key ongoing projects include optimizing nanopattern quality via ion beam rocking and investigating morphological transitions in binary compounds.

Christian ScholzView profile

Researcher

• Theoretical Physics
• Granular Matter
• Active Matter
• +3 more

Dr. Christian Scholz is currently affiliated with the Institute for Theoretical Physics at Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf. Previously, he served as a Postdoc at the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems (MSS) from 2015 to 2016. His research focuses on theoretical physics, granular matter, and active matter systems, with contributions to collective behavior, self-organization, and nonlinear dynamics. His work spans experimental and theoretical studies, including investigations into granular gas dynamics, vibration-driven particle motion (Vibrots), and Mie scattering experiments designed for educational use. Scholz also explores the interplay between material morphology and transport properties using Boolean models. His publications in Nature Communications , Physical Review Letters , and New Journal of Physics reflect his interdisciplinary approach, combining statistical mechanics with soft matter physics and complex systems analysis. His research trends emphasize active matter, granular systems, and pedagogical innovations in physics education through 3D printing. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, but his contributions to theoretical and experimental physics are evident through his publication record. No grants or advising roles are listed in the provided information.

• Active Matter
• Biophysics
• Soft Matter Physics
• +3 more

Raymond Adkins is a Research Fellow in the Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale School of Medicine, Yale University . His work focuses on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of active matter , soft condensed matter , and biophysical systems . Key areas include the dynamics of active nematics, colloidosome assembly, and metrology of small viruses using advanced microscopy and computational techniques. He employs machine learning and Bayesian methods to analyze complex systems, such as phase separation in 3D active materials and interfacial dynamics of biological membranes. Adkins’s research also explores the synthesis and characterization of chiral nanomaterials, particularly their role in inducing conformational changes in liquid crystal phases. His contributions bridge theoretical modeling (e.g., SINDy algorithms for data-driven discovery) and experimental validation, with applications in material science and virology. He collaborates across departments at Yale, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to tackle problems in self-assembly, nonequilibrium systems, and nanotechnology. No specific awards or grants are listed, but his publication record reflects active engagement with cutting-edge topics in biophysics and materials science.

Serim IldayView profile

Professor

• Non-equilibrium Systems
• Complexity Science
• Nonlinear Physics
• +6 more

Prof. Serim Ilday is a Full Professor at Ruhr University Bochum (Germany) leading the Simply Complex Lab in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. She researches emergent phenomena in non-equilibrium systems, focusing on self-assembly, complexity, and nonlinear physics across scales from quantum dots to biological cells. Her interdisciplinary work bridges materials science, nanotechnology, and mechanobiology, leveraging experimental and theoretical approaches. Education: PhD in Micro/Nanotechnology from Middle East Technical University (2014), followed by postdoctoral research at Bilkent University (2014-2017). Prior to her current role, she was an Assistant Professor at UNAM and Bilkent University (2017-2023). Research Interests: Non-equilibrium systems, dissipative self-assembly, complex adaptive systems, laser nanostructuring, and interdisciplinary applications in materials science. Her lab explores universal principles governing far-from-equilibrium phenomena. Awards: ERC Starting Grant (2019), L’Oréal-UNESCO FWIS Award (2018), and multiple recognitions including membership in the Young Academy of Europe and Mediterranean Science Team. Labs/Teams: Founder and head of the Simply Complex Lab, collaborating with institutions globally on projects like the Cluster of Excellence livMatS and RESOLV. Her work has led to breakthroughs in holography and 3D silicon photonics, with over 40 publications in top journals like Nature Physics and Nano Letters .

• Liquid Crystals
• Active Matter
• Nanoparticle Assembly
• +3 more

Dr. Linda Hirst is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of California, Merced. Her research focuses on the intersection of soft matter physics, active matter, and materials science, with particular emphasis on liquid crystals, nanoparticle assembly, and biological physics. She holds an office in Biomedical Sciences and Physics Building room 161 and can be reached at lhirst@ucmerced.edu. Her work explores complex systems such as self-assembly of quantum dots using liquid crystal phase transitions, dynamics of active nematics with topological defects, and colloidal behavior in anisotropic media. She also investigates biological systems like microtubule-based active fluids and their interactions with motor proteins. Recent projects include controlling chaos in active fluids through boundary engineering and studying the impact of e-cigarette additives on lipid membrane structures via X-ray scattering. Key research themes involve understanding how microstructural features (e.g., ligand-functionalized nanoparticles, phase boundaries) govern macroscopic material properties. Her contributions span experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches, addressing topics from nanoparticle transport mechanisms to the rheology of active fluids. While no specific awards are listed, her extensive publication record reflects a prolific and impactful career in soft condensed matter physics. Her research has implications for novel material design, biophysical systems, and nanotechnology applications.

Nikta FakhriView profile

Associate Professor

• Non-equilibrium Physics
• Biophysics
• Active Matter
• +3 more

Nikta Fakhri is the Thomas D. & Virginia W. Cabot Career Development Associate Professor of Physics at MIT, affiliated with the Physics of Living Systems Group. Her research focuses on non-equilibrium physics in living systems, exploring active matter's mechanical properties and nonequilibrium mechanisms. She pioneered fluorescent single-walled carbon nanotube probes for biophysical studies. Education: BSc from Sharif University of Technology, PhD from Rice University Postdoc: Human Frontier Science Program fellow at Georg-August-Universität Göttingen Research interests include active biological systems' emergent properties, engineering functional materials, and universal behaviors in non-equilibrium systems. Her work bridges physics, biology, and engineering. Awards include NSF CAREER Award (2019), IUPAP Young Scientist Prize (2018), and APS Early Career Award (2022). Labs/Teams: Fakhri Lab (specializing in active matter and biophysical probes). Grants include HFSPO Career Development Award (2016) and Sloan Fellowship (2017).

Mikhail TammView profile

Research Fellow

• Statistical Physics
• Complex Networks
• Soft Condensed Matter
• +5 more

Mikhail Tamm is a Senior Research Fellow at Tallinn University's School of Digital Technologies, where he applies statistical physics and complex network theories to human-generated data. His academic journey includes positions as Associate Professor at Moscow State University and Higher School of Economics, Lecturer at Moscow Physical Technical Institute, and postdoctoral research at Université Paris-Sud. He holds a PhD in Physics from Moscow State University (2002), supervised by Igor Erukhimovich. Research interests focus on interdisciplinary applications of physics methodologies: Statistical physics approaches to social/cultural data analysis Complex network theory for transport patterns and psycholinguistics Dimensional reduction techniques for human activity patterns Modeling abrupt transitions in social systems Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on network science applications across physics, biology, and cultural studies, with recent emphasis on hyperbolic networks, language coexistence models, and computational cultural analytics. Methodological innovations in statistical mechanics form the core of his interdisciplinary work. Current research projects include: Principal Investigator: 'Learning Processes in Language Dynamics' (Estonian Research Council, 2024-2025) Team member: 'Cultural Data Analytics Open Lab' (Tallinn University, 2024-2027) Team member: 'Learning Processes in Language Dynamics' (PRG1059, 2021-2025) Previous projects include the EU-funded 'Cultural Data Analytics' (2019-2024) and 'Kinokroonika Exploration Project' (2021-2022).

Ivan PalaiaView profile

Lecturer

• Biological Physics
• Soft Matter
• Statistical Physics
• +3 more

Dr. Ivan Palaia is a Lecturer in Biological Physics at King’s College London’s Department of Physics, part of the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences. His research focuses on nonequilibrium self-assembly processes in soft matter systems, combining computational physics with coarse-grained modeling. He holds a PhD from Paris-Saclay University (2019) and completed postdoctoral fellowships at UCL and IST Austria, specializing in biophysics and soft matter simulations. His work spans cell membrane mechanics, cytoskeletal dynamics, active matter, and cement cohesion physics. Education: BSc in Physical Engineering, Politecnico di Torino (2014, cum laude) MSc in Physics of Complex Systems, Politecnico di Torino and Paris-Saclay (2016, mention très bien) PhD in Physics, Paris-Saclay University (2019) Research interests include understanding how energy-driven nonequilibrium processes organize cellular components, leveraging computational methods to model systems like biomolecular condensates, active colloids, and non-equilibrium membrane remodeling. His work bridges statistical physics and biological systems, with notable contributions to collagen network dynamics and chiral active fluids. Key achievements include IST-BRIDGE Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowships (2022-2024), a Best Talk Prize at the 2021 IOP Early Career Researcher Workshop, and interdisciplinary grants. He collaborates on projects funded by ISTA and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, emphasizing translational research between physics and life sciences. Teaching responsibilities include leading King’s College’s Advanced Biophysics module and previous roles as a teaching assistant at UCL and substitute mathematics instructor in Paris.

• Quantum Monte Carlo Simulations
• Condensed Matter Theory
• Cold Atoms in Optical Lattices
• +7 more

Nandini Trivedi is the Arts & Sciences Distinguished Professor of Physics at The Ohio State University. Her research group specializes in condensed matter theory and quantum materials , focusing on strongly correlated systems , quantum spin liquids , and ultracold atoms in optical lattices . She leads a research team within the Department of Physics in the College of Arts & Sciences. Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Cornell University B.S. and M.S. in Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi Research Focus: Professor Trivedi’s work addresses how quantum interactions lead to exotic phases like topological order , fractionalized particles , and novel spin liquid states . Her group combines quantum Monte Carlo simulations with analytical methods to explore phenomena in high-temperature superconductors and 2D magnetic materials . Recent Publications: Her group has published key works on field-induced quantum spin liquids , strain-tunable magnetism , and machine learning applications for spectral analysis , advancing understanding of strongly correlated electronic systems . Scientific Contributions: Co-organizer of Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation's EPiQS Postdoctoral Seminar Series Collaborator with Episteme (R&D organization) on theoretical condensed matter research Advising: She has mentored several PhD students including Shi Feng (fractionalization in quantum matter), Joseph Szabo (Fermi-Hubbard model dynamics), Franz Utermohlen (2D ferromagnetism in CrI3), and Wenjuan Zhang (spin-orbit coupling effects).