Patrick Underhill

Patrick Underhill is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where he has been since 2008. His research integrates theoretical, computational, and experimental approaches to address challenges in materials science, biophysics, and fluid dynamics. Key focuses include advanced material design, protein manipulation, and the study of complex fluid systems.

Education & Background: After completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Underhill joined RPI, where he has since established the Underhill Research Lab. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, combining engineering principles with biological and physical sciences.

Research Interests: Underhill’s research spans

• Non-Newtonian fluid modeling,
• polymer membrane design,
• colloidal interactions,
• active matter systems,
• and computational methods for soft matter systems.

His recent work explores protein dynamics in microgravity and machine learning applications for material optimization.

Lab & Collaborations: The Underhill Research Lab (https://underhillresearchlab.com) focuses on experimental and theoretical studies of complex fluids and soft materials. Notable projects include developing “structure-by-design” polymer membranes and analyzing colloidal self-assembly.

Grants & Advising: While specific grant details are not listed, his research is supported by grants addressing topics like interfacial rheology and active matter. He advises graduate students in chemical and biological engineering, though no named advisees are listed here.