معرفی
Peter D. Olmsted is the Joseph Semmes Ives Chair in Physics at Georgetown University, where he has been a faculty member since January 2014. His research focuses on theoretical soft matter physics, particularly complex fluids including biological fluids like membranes and polymers.
Dr. Olmsted received his A.B. in Physics from Cornell University in 1984 and his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1991. His doctoral research examined "The effect of shear flow on the isotropic-nematic transition in liquid crystals" under the supervision of Professor Paul Goldbart.
Dr. Olmsted's research spans several key areas within soft matter physics. He investigates the structure and dynamics of complex fluids including liquid crystals, polymers, gels, elastomers, and lipid/surfactant systems. His current research focuses on shear banding and flow-structure relations in soft and biological matter, with particular emphasis on the physics of lipid bilayer membranes. He is also collaborating with NIST on Additive Manufacturing to understand the polymer physics behind 3D printing. As an overseas member of CAPITALS, a 5-year EPSRC-funded program grant (2012-2017), he has contributed to research on the physical aspects of lipid bilayer membranes.
His recent publications reveal a strong focus on both biological soft matter systems (particularly lipid membranes and their phase behavior) and polymer physics related to additive manufacturing. There is a clear trend toward interdisciplinary research that bridges physics, biology, and engineering applications, with significant attention to practical applications in 3D printing technology and biological membrane function.
Dr. Olmsted has received numerous scientific honors including:
- Fellow of the American Physical Society (2010)
- Fellow of the Institute of Physics (2007)
- British Society of Rheology Annual Award (2008)
Dr. Olmsted serves as Director of the Institute for Soft Matter Synthesis and Metrology at Georgetown University, which unites Soft Matter interests across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. He has coordinated international research networks including DYNACOP, an EU-funded Integrated Training Network devoted to the Dynamics of Architecturally Complex Polymers. His research has been supported by various grants including EPSRC funding for the CAPITALS program and collaborations with NIST on additive manufacturing.
Dr. Olmsted previously held positions at the University of Leeds, where he was Professor of Physics (2005-2013) and Reader in Complex Fluids (2001-2005). Before that, he held postdoctoral positions at the University of Michigan, Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, and Exxon Research and Engineering Company.
