Computational Biophysics

Our research revolves around the development of computational methods and their applications to the study of biological macromolecules, with a particular focus on lipid membranes. In close collaboration with experimentalists, we use a number of modeling techniques, such as molecular dynamics simulation, continuum modeling, and free energy calculation to understand, for instance, how structure and dynamics of a membrane are affected by its lipid components, how nanoparticles interact with a membrane, and how small molecules diffuse within or across a lipid bilayer. In addition, we are working on a number of collaborative projects on protein systems, where we simulate receptor-ligand binding to investigate, for instance, the selectivity and promiscuity of an enzyme.
(Y. Wang)

Experimental Biophysics and Quantitative Biology

Life is a fascinating, far-from-equilibrium state of matter. We seek to understand how living systems function, adapt and evolve. Our current research is focused on the motion and self-organization of microbial systems in space and time. The systems of choice range from single cells to microbial communities, such as bacterial swarms and biofilms.
(Y.L. Wu)