Jun Allard

Jun Allard is a Professor at the University of California, Irvine, with joint appointments in the Department of Mathematics and Department of Physics and Astronomy. He is affiliated with the Center for Complex Biological Systems and the NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research.

Education includes:

• Ph.D. Applied Mathematics, University of British Columbia (2011)
• M.Sc. Physics, Dalhousie University (2007)
• B.Sc. Mathematical Physics, Queen's University (2005)

His research specializes in mathematical and computational modeling of cellular and biomolecular mechanics. Key interests include how cells utilize force, space, and time to solve problems, with applications in immune cell signaling, cytoskeletal dynamics, and intracellular transport. His work combines theoretical models with experimental collaborations to uncover fundamental biological mechanisms.

Recent publications (2021-2025) predominantly focus on computational approaches to cellular processes, including molecular transport mechanisms, immune receptor dynamics, and cytoskeletal organization. These studies employ advanced stochastic modeling, biophysical simulations, and quantitative experimental methods to reveal principles governing cellular behavior.

Scientific awards include:

• UCI Chancellor's Award for Distinguished Fostering of Undergraduate Research (2015)
• Emerging Diversity Scholar, National Center for Institutional Diversity (2016)
• Honorable Mention, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2012)

He has advised over 12 doctoral students and leads the Allard Lab, which develops computational models for cell mechanics. Major grants include NSF awards for research on molecular-tether reactions (DMS-2052668), nanoparticle adhesion (CBET-1929565), and multiscale cell fate (DMS-1763272).

The lab collaborates internationally with experimental groups and participates in interdisciplinary initiatives including the Chemical and Materials Physics program.