Our vision is to quantify, understand, and control emergent collective phenomena in soft materials and living systems. We combine theoretical modeling, computational analysis, and table-top experiments to investigate these questions in animate and inanimate systems across molecular, cellular, and organismal scales. By studying specific examples, we aim to uncover general principles and elucidate functional consequences of soft, nonequilibrium physics for biology and engineering. Our research is curiosity-driven and deeply interdisciplinary and collaborative. Along with fostering innovative science, the lab is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and belonging in the group by cultivating an inclusive environment that supports the well-being and success of all its members.
News
[March 2025] Carter receives the Patrick Dahlin Memorial Award for outstanding students showing great promise in the field of physics. Congratulations Carter!
[Nov 2024] Sabina Haque, along with Rong Ma (Albert Liu’s group, UM) and Sindy Liu (Qian Chen’s group, UIUC), were awarded a pilot grant to study “Active weaving“, through the COMPASS Junior Scientist Board grant competition. Congratulations Sindy, Rong and Sabina!
[Sept 2024] Daniel Duffy receives the highly competitive Pioneer fellowship to study the variations in the shapes of leaves and understand their mechanisms of morphogenesis. Congratulations Daniel!
[Jan 2024] Our lab is officially launched and accepting applications from talented students/postdocs!