Daniel Blair

Professor Daniel Blair is a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Physics at Georgetown University's College of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on soft condensed matter physics, particularly the mechanical properties of soft disordered solids like colloidal glasses, gels, and foams. He investigates the link between microstructure and bulk mechanical properties using advanced microscopy and rheology techniques. Blair's work has been funded by the NSF, NIST, and other institutions. He received the NSF CAREER Award in 2009 and spent his sabbatical at NIH and NIST studying cellular morphodynamics and micro-RHEO-SANS instrument development. His research spans soft glassy solids, biopolymer networks, and active matter systems. Notable projects include shear thickening suspensions, collagen network dynamics, and silk fibroin gels.

Education:

• B.A. Physics, Elon University (1997)
• S.M. Physics, University of Chicago (2000)
• Ph.D. Physics, Clark University (2004)

Research Interests: Blair's group explores stress propagation in soft materials, combining rheology with confocal microscopy. Key areas include colloidal glasses, biopolymer networks (e.g., Type-I collagen), and shear thickening mechanisms. Recent work examines microstructural origins of shear thickening and active microtubule gels.

Awards & Grants:

• NSF CAREER Award (2009)
• Funding from Department of Commerce (NIST), AFOSR, Templeton Foundation, and Petroleum Research Fund

Advising & Collaborations: Blair has mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate students. Collaborations include Harvard University, NIST, and institutions like TU Eindhoven. His lab develops advanced instruments like the confocal rheometer for soft matter studies.