Topics
- Applied Mathematics
- Arts and Culture
- Bioengineering
- Cognitive Science
- Computing, Sensing, Gaming and Robotics
- Earth and Environment
- Economy and Markets
- Evolution and Genomics
- Human Health
- Immigration
- Law and Politics
- Math and Science Education
- Physics
- Spanish and Latino Studies
- Stem Cells
- Water Resources
Associated Resources
- Superhero Cells Focus of Boundary-Pushing Research (UC Merced Article)
Ajay Gopinathan
School of Natural Sciences
Primary contact information
- Email: agopinathan@ucmerced.edu
- Phone: (209) 228-4048
- Address:
- 5200 N. Lake Rd.
- Merced, CA 95343
Secondary contact information
- Name: Ana Nelson Shaw
- Title: Public Information Representative
- Email: ashaw@ucmerced.edu
- Primary Phone: (209) 228-4406
- Secondary Phone: (209) 205-8561
Associated Topics
Background
Biology offers a rich and rewarding field for applying ideas and techniques from physics, resulting in exciting research that not only delves into the machinery of life but also enriches and advances physics. Professor Ajay Gopinathan`s main interest lies in understanding the inter-relationship between the non-equilibrium nature, structure, mechanical properties and function in biological systems.
Current research involves using methods from soft condensed matter physics (statistical mechanics, polymer physics, elasticity) to address various issues such as different aspects of cell motility including force generation and membrane dynamics, protein translocation across membrane pores, kinetic control of the cytoskeletal network, the structure and function of biopolymer aggregates and the diffusion of macromolecules in crowded, sticky environments.
Research is conducted using a combination of analytical and computational techniques, often in collaboration with experimental groups. Other interests include colloidal dynamics, self-organization in polymeric systems and statistical mechanics of biological and artificial networks.
Current research involves using methods from soft condensed matter physics (statistical mechanics, polymer physics, elasticity) to address various issues such as different aspects of cell motility including force generation and membrane dynamics, protein translocation across membrane pores, kinetic control of the cytoskeletal network, the structure and function of biopolymer aggregates and the diffusion of macromolecules in crowded, sticky environments.
Research is conducted using a combination of analytical and computational techniques, often in collaboration with experimental groups. Other interests include colloidal dynamics, self-organization in polymeric systems and statistical mechanics of biological and artificial networks.