Dr. Craig's Lab

My primary area of research is in computational biophysics, which means I use computer simulations to study living systems. You can read below about some research areas and go to our lab web page to learn more: https://sites.google.com/view/cwu-computational-biophysics/home. I am on sabbatical leave during the 2020-2021 academic year, but there will be openings for new research students in my lab in fall 2021. Please email me at erin.craig@cwu.edu if you would like to learn more about research opportunities in the computational biophysics lab.

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Research Area 1: Computational investigation of the physics of neurons

There are several ongoing projects that involve using computer simulations to investigate the physical mechanisms underlying healthy nervous system development.

Project topics include:

  • How do nerve cells send electrical impulses?

  • How do physical forces mediate correct “wiring” of nerve axons during nervous system development?

Desired Skills: some programming (PHYS 322 or PHYS 361 helpful)

Skills Acquired: programming in Matlab, scientific visualization, data analysis/comparison, scientific communication experience

Research Area 2: Project of your design in Computational Biophysics, Physics Education, or related topics

Are you interested in how physics is involved living systems, and have a specific question you’d like to explore? Are you considering a career in teaching and want to develop or test a lesson plan? Come talk with me about your ideas, and how you could develop them into an undergraduate research project.

Student-developed project (past examples):

  • Computational model of pattern formation in plant growth

  • Computational investigation of prion disease propagation

  • Developing tactile graphics for visually impaired students in STEM

  • Teaching mechanical energy concepts through video analysis of kangaroos

Desired skills: prior coursework on your topic of interest (PHYS 292 helpful for teaching projects; PHYS 322 helpful for computational biophysics projects)

Skills Acquired: research design, scientific communication experience, project-specific technical skills