Research Interests
Broadly, I am interested in utilizing quantitative methods and mathematical/biophysical modeling to further our mechanistic understanding of the systems underlying cellular function, organization, and, most of all, morphology. While these features are sometimes taken for granted as part of the cell, I find appealing the possibility that some are not merely happenstance but actually serve a deeper purpose or occur for a specific and noteworthy reason. My experience is in bacteria, but I am open to applying these concepts to other model organisms.
Bacterial Biomechanics
Given my background in computer science, I'd like to apply mathematical/biophysical modeling to the biosciences. Bacteria are relatively simple unicellular organisms with unique biomechanical properties. I have studied cell envelope stiffness, and have further interest in potentially incorporating other biophysical concepts such as diffusivity or ergodicity into my research.
Cell Envelope Structure and Composition
The bacterial cell envelope is a multi-faceted structure with unique properties. The sublayers of the cell envelope -- inner membrane, cell wall, and outer membrane -- are composed of a mosaic of various proteins and macromolecules that interact among themselves in complex ways. I'd like to translate how single-moiety molecular properties come together to produce macroscale properties for the cell envelope.
Cellular Morphology
Cell shape or appearance may often be overlooked as an inherent feature of the cell, but I am open to the possibility that these exist the way they do for a reason. What causes some bacteria to adopt a rod shape? How does the bacteria benefit from its specific shape? I'd like to try to answer these questions, especially via modeling or simulation.
