My research focuses on the self-assembly of soft matter, with a particular focus on anisotropic colloids and proteins. I use molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations to understand how we can engineer building block properties to give rise to desired complex structures. Self-assembly, the spontaneous emergence of ordered structures, is the natural model for structure formation and an important target for engineers as we seek to conquer the nanoscale. My focus on anisotropic particles, i.e. particles whose interactions have a directional dependence (unlike point particles or spheres) also places a strong emphasis on the role of entropy in the ordering of structures. Although frequently viewed as a force of disorder, entropy can in fact drive ordering in many systems, something my Ph.D. advisor explains in great detail in this TEDx Talk.

One prominent example of my work featured on the March 2019 cover of Nature Chemistry demonstrated how simulations helped us construct novel structures made of supercharged proteins. This research won the Nature chemistry cover of the year award.

 

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An up-to-date list of my publications can be found on my Google Scholar research profile. I also maintain lists of my publications and presentations on this site.