Overview
My research laboratory uses physics-based computational tools to provide fundamental, molecular-level understanding of a diverse range of biological and soft-material systems, with the aim of discovering new phenomena and developing new technologies. The methods we use or develop are largely based on statistical mechanics, molecular modeling and simulations, stochastic dynamics, coarse-graining, bioinformatics, machine learning, and polymer/colloidal physics. Our current research interests fall within four main themes: genome organization and regulation; polymer-nanoparticle composites; viral-DNA-packaging; and DNA nanotechnology. Please visit our website for more details about each of these research projects.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
·
2021 - Present
Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science,
Pratt School of Engineering
Professor of Chemistry
·
2022 - Present
Chemistry,
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
·
2024 - Present
Biomedical Engineering,
Pratt School of Engineering
Recent Publications
Modular programming of interaction and geometric specificity enables assembly of complex DNA origami nanostructures
Preprint · February 7, 2025 Link to item CiteRegulation of Ordinal DNA Translocation Cycle in Bacteriophage Φ29 through Trans-Subunit Interactions
Preprint · February 3, 2025 Full text CiteImpact of Grafting Density on the Assembly and Mechanical Properties of Self-Assembled Metal-Organic Framework Monolayers.
Journal Article Journal of the American Chemical Society · February 2025 Polymer-grafted metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can be used to form free-standing self-assembled MOF monolayers (SAMMs). Polymer chains can be introduced onto MOF surfaces through either the ligands or metal nodes using both grafting-to and grafting-from a ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Collaborative Research: DMREF: Architecting DNA nanodevices into metamaterials, transducing materials, and assembling materials
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2023 - 2027Programmable Mesoscale Self-Assembly at Nanopatterned Surfaces.
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Department of Energy · 2020 - 2027Understanding the supramolecular nature of the ligand-nanocrystal interlayer
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of California - San Diego · 2024 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of Notre Dame ·
2003
Ph.D.
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (India) ·
1998
B.Tech.