معرفی
Dr Simon Connell is an Associate Professor in the School of Physics at the University of Leeds, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. His research focuses on the development and application of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and complementary techniques to study biological and soft matter systems at the nanoscale.
Research Interests: His expertise lies in biological physics and nanomechanics, particularly in the study of lipid bilayers, fibrin clot formation, mechanical properties of soft materials, and pharmaceutical crystal surfaces. He investigates nanodomain structures such as lipid rafts, the biomechanics of fibrin networks, and the viscoelastic behavior of hydrogels and microgels.
Techniques and Facilities: He manages the Leeds EPSRC AFM Facility and employs a range of advanced methods including high-speed AFM, correlative fluorescence microscopy, Quartz-Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D), magnetic tweezers, Langmuir trough, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). These are used in combination to provide comprehensive characterization of soft and biological materials.
Industrial Collaborations: His work includes significant industrial partnerships with pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, AstraZeneca (AZ), 3M Drug Delivery, Neutek, and Interpharm, focusing on drug formulation, inhalable particle behavior, and crystal mechanics.
Current Projects Include:
- Lipid bilayers: phase, asymmetry, and dynamics
- Fibrinogen and blood clotting mechanisms
- Nanomechanics of hydrogels, microgels, and plant cell walls
- Pharmaceutical crystal surface energy and inter-particulate forces
Advising and Grants: While specific students are not listed, his leadership of major research projects and facility management indicate an active supervisory role. His access to EPSRC-funded infrastructure suggests involvement in competitively funded research grants, particularly through collaborations with industry and national research councils.
