Peter M. Hoffmann

Peter M. Hoffmann is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Wayne State University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with secondary appointments in the College of Engineering and Biomedical Physics program. His research focuses on molecular machines, nanoconfined liquids, and biophysics, employing advanced atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques.

• PhD in Materials Science, Johns Hopkins University
• M.S. in Physics, Southern Illinois University
• Vordiplom (BS equivalent) in Physics & Mathematics, Technische Universität Clausthal

Hoffmann's experimental work investigates how molecular motors extract order from chaos through Brownian ratcheting mechanisms. His team has developed cutting-edge AFM methodologies to study nanomechanical properties of confined water films, ionic effects on liquid ordering, and biomolecular interactions at the single-molecule level.

Recent publications focus on graphene oxide fluid dynamics, mechanochemical solvation effects, and advanced AFM data analysis techniques. His research bridges soft matter physics, biophysics, and materials science through interdisciplinary approaches.

Scientific recognition includes:

• National Science Foundation CAREER Award
• Wayne State Presidential Excellence in Teaching Award
• Richard Barber Faculty Award
• Sultana N Nahar Excellence in Teaching Award
• Abel Wolman Fellowship
• Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes Fellowship

Hoffmann's educational initiatives include co-authoring the textbook Quantitative Understanding of Biosystems and leading the $3M NSF IUSE grant to transform STEM education through evidence-based pedagogy. His lab actively mentors graduate students like Zachary Auner, Gobin Acharya, and Ramesh Tripathi, working at the intersection of physics and biological systems.