Douglas S. Martin

Douglas S. Martin is an Associate Professor of Physics at Lawrence University, where he has been a faculty member since 2007. His interdisciplinary work bridges physics, biology, and chemistry to investigate cellular mechanics and dynamics, with significant contributions to open-source microscope development for educational and research applications. He teaches across the physics curriculum including Biophysics, Optics, Quantum Computing, and General Relativity, while also serving on the university's pre-health advising team for medical and dental career paths.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Physics from the University of Texas at Austin
• Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biochemistry at Brandeis University

Professor Martin's research centers on biophysical systems, particularly the mechanics of cellular structures like microtubules. He leads the development of three key microscope platforms: the eduWOSM (a $5,000 open-source teaching microscope), WOSM-SR (a 10 nm resolution super-resolution fluorescence microscope), and a custom TIRF microscope for single-molecule tracking. His lab achieves 25 nm resolution imaging of microtubules and collaborates internationally with researchers at the University of Warwick, including Nick Carter and Rob Cross. This work illuminates fundamental processes in intracellular transport, cell division, and molecular dynamics through quantitative physical measurements.

He actively mentors undergraduate researchers in both microscope design and cellular mechanics projects, integrating students into all phases of development and experimentation. His laboratory serves as a hub for hands-on instrumentation training and biophysical discovery, emphasizing the application of physics principles to biological systems. The Warwick Open Source Microscope initiative exemplifies his commitment to accessible scientific tools, with designs fully programmable for classroom use.