Luis Cruz Cruz

Luis Cruz Cruz serves as Associate Professor and Associate Head for Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Physics at Drexel University's College of Arts and Sciences, a position he has held since joining the institution in 2008.

His academic credentials include:

• PhD in Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1994)
• MS in Physics from University of Puerto Rico (1989)
• BM in Piano from Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico (1989)
• BS in Physics from University of Puerto Rico (1985)

As a computational biophysicist, Professor Cruz investigates how neural network structure influences functional behavior through biologically-inspired computational simulations. His research program systematically examines:

• Spiking neural network dynamics and synchronization phenomena
• Micro/minicolumn organization and spatial correlations in neuronal systems
• Brain plasticity mechanisms and traveling wave propagation
• Confinement effects on amyloidogenic protein folding

This work aims to establish computational parallels between network damage models and neuropathological conditions like Alzheimer's disease. His career trajectory includes doctoral research on conducting polymers at MIT, postdoctoral applications of statistical physics to neurological conditions at Boston University, and prior Drexel work on protein folding dynamics and neuronal organization-cognition relationships.

No scientific awards were documented in the source materials.

Information regarding student advising or research grants was not provided in the available documentation.

Professor Cruz maintains active affiliation with Drexel's Biophysics Group and contributes to undergraduate physics education through his leadership role.