I have broad research interests, but my primary research program involves understanding the physical mechanisms that lead to complex structure and organization in biological systems. My specialty is in bacterial cell biology, but I am always interested in new systems. The primary tool that I use is fluorescence microscopy. I'm also very interested in science education research and designing new high-context activities for lower and upper-division physics courses.
Some examples of areas in which I have recently mentored and am currently mentoring student projects to meet the undergraduate research component of the physics degree include:
· Measuring the antibiotic properties of dragonfly wings
· Characterizing the dynamics of cytoskeletal filaments in vitro
· Designing and prototyping a novel fluidic system for live-cell imaging
· Designing a upper-division lab exercise exploring and characterizing diffusion
· Constructing an optical tweezers
In addition, I developed and teach Experimental Biophysics, Phys 323, which can be used as the basis for completing the undergraduate research component of the physics degree using the Research-Intensive class track. Opportunities for projects that fulfill the undergraduate research component growing out of Phys 323 include the following areas:
· Live-cell fluorescence microscopy
· Advance image analysis
· Modeling and simulation
I enjoy working with students to identify projects that align with both our interests. The most fun projects tend to be the ones that are student-driven. I’d be happy to schedule a time to talk with you about possible projects.