معرفی
Shuang Zhou is an Assistant Professor in the Physics Department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, part of the College of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on soft condensed matter physics, particularly liquid crystals and active matter systems. The Zhou Lab investigates lyotropic liquid crystals formed by anisometric nanoparticles and their interactions with microorganisms, exploring non-equilibrium phenomena and novel material properties. Key areas include biocompatible lyotropic systems, active matter dynamics, and the interplay between liquid crystal ordering and biological activity.
Dr. Zhou holds a Ph.D. from Kent State University (2016) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University (2016-2018). His lab is equipped with advanced microscopy systems (polarizing, inverted, fluorescent confocal) and facilities for optical, biological, and electronic experiments. The group recently received an NSF CAREER Award for their innovative work in living liquid crystals.
Research interests span liquid crystal viscoelasticity, defect dynamics, and active matter interactions in ordered phases. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining physics, materials science, and biophysics to study emergent phenomena in complex fluids. Current projects explore lyotropic chromonic systems, microorganism-driven active matter, and novel applications of light-responsive liquid crystal materials.
Lab infrastructure includes upright microscopes, electromagnets, clean benches, and cryo-TEM preparation tools. The group actively collaborates on projects involving ionic conductors, nanostructured materials, and microbial locomotion in anisotropic environments. Future work aims to advance biohybrid systems and energy-efficient liquid crystal applications.
