Welcome to SLM Lab!
We study how mechanical processes shape the behavior of soft and living systems at the intersection of physics, biology, and engineering. These systems fall into two broad categories: passive matter, which responds to external forces, and active matter, which generates motion by consuming energy.
In passive systems — such as colloids, droplets, and compound particles in complex fluids or confined environments — dynamics are governed by hydrodynamic interactions and interfacial forces. In contrast, active systems are made up of self-driven components such as synthetic colloids, motile cells, and epithelial tissues. Operating far from equilibrium, these systems exhibit complex behaviors including spontaneous flows, pattern formation, and the emergence of topological defects.
Using tools from fluid dynamics, along with both discrete and continuum modeling, we investigate how material properties, internal activity, and environmental constraints shape dynamics across scales. In active matter, we are particularly interested in how local mechanical and chemical processes interact through feedback to produce emergent behavior at larger scales.
For a closer look at our research interests, see the Projects page.