Calina Copos

Calina Copos is an Assistant Professor at Northeastern University, affiliated with the departments of Biology and Mathematics within the College of Science. She holds a PhD from the University of California, Davis, and completed postdoctoral training at New York University’s Courant Institute. Her research focuses on mathematical biology, particularly modeling cell locomotion and cytoskeleton dynamics through interdisciplinary approaches combining mechanics-based modeling, computational methods, and experimental collaborations. She has advised students such as Sam, Ying, Katie, Ansa Brew-Smith, and Shawn.

Recent work includes studies on collective cell migration modes, galvanotaxis, and mechanochemical regulation of polarity. Her lab has published in high-impact journals like PNAS and Nature Systems Biology and Applications. Notable achievements include securing an NSF grant (DMS2209494) and mentoring award-winning students. She actively participates in conferences and editorial roles, such as her position on the PLoS Computational Biology editorial board.

Current lab activities include investigating cell group dynamics, organizing international workshops (e.g., AIM SQuaREs), and advancing Northeastern’s Biophysics PhD program. The Copos Lab emphasizes collaboration and computational-experimental synergy, with ongoing projects exploring symmetry breaking and cytoskeletal coordination.