Many biological processes cannot be fully understood from static structures alone. Proteins and biomolecular assemblies often function through transient conformational changes, weak interactions, dynamic self-assembly, and mechanical responses to their environment. These events are frequently heterogeneous, short-lived, and difficult to synchronize, making them challenging to capture using ensemble measurements.

The Lin Lab aims to bridge this gap by developing and applying approaches that enable us to observe biological molecules at work in real time. Our long-term vision is to establish HS-AFM and integrated biophysical analysis as a quantitative platform for understanding how molecular structure, dynamics, mechanics, and function are coupled in living systems.