Silvina Matysiak

Silvina Matysiak is an Associate Professor in the Fischell Department of Bioengineering at the University of Maryland's A. James Clark School of Engineering. Her research integrates computational modeling with biophysical principles to investigate fundamental biomolecular processes relevant to neurodegenerative diseases and biomaterial design.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Rice University (2007)
• B.S. in Bioengineering, Instituto Tecnologico de Buenos Aires

Research Focus: Professor Matysiak's work centers on protein folding landscapes, misfolding mechanisms in neurodegenerative disorders, and multiscale simulation techniques. Her group employs advanced molecular modeling to study how water mediates protein stability, how membranes influence amyloid aggregation, and the molecular basis of Huntington's and Alzheimer's diseases. Key innovations include coarse-grained models that bridge computational gaps across time and length scales.

Publication Trends: Analysis of her recent work (2022-2024) reveals three dominant themes: (1) Environmental modulation of amyloid aggregation by lipids, ionic liquids, and sugars; (2) Allosteric mechanisms in protein signaling networks; (3) Development of computational frameworks like ProMPT for multiscale biomolecular simulation. These studies consistently link molecular dynamics to disease pathology and therapeutic design.

Awards:

• National Science Foundation CAREER Award ($650,000, 5-year grant for neurodegenerative disease research)

Advising and Funding: Professor Matysiak currently mentors 4 Ph.D. students and has guided 6 doctoral graduates to successful careers in academia and industry (Google, Schrödinger, Flatiron Institute). Her lab receives primary support through her NSF CAREER award, with additional funding from collaborative grants focused on computational biomaterials and neurodegenerative mechanisms. She actively participates in interdisciplinary initiatives within Maryland's Biophysics and Chemical Physics Programs.

Research Group: The Biomolecular Modeling Group operates within the Fischell Department, maintaining strong ties to the university's Biophysics and Chemical Physics Programs. The lab develops open-source simulation tools (including ProMPT) and maintains active collaborations with experimental groups studying protein aggregation, membrane biophysics, and biomaterials. Current projects focus on curvature-sensing peptides, metalloprotein allostery, and chitosan-based hydrogels for biomedical applications.