stanford physics phd students

Graduate Students

Info for prospective graduate students.

Faculty and staff members of the SLAC Theory Group supervise Stanford graduate students. If you are curious about our research and are thinking about applying to Stanford please feel free to get in touch. You can submit your application to the Stanford graduate school here .  The application deadline for the 2024-25 academic year is 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time, Friday, December 15, 2023.

Info for Stanford Graduate Students

S taff and faculty members of the SLAC Theory Group supervise Stanford graduate students. Introducing the next generation of scientist to cutting edge research is a key priority for us. In the SLAC Theory Group you will experience a rich and 

diverse research program driving the exploration of fundamental forces of nature. We have strong ties to experimental groups interested in high energy collider physics and particle astrophysics, as well as to theoretical groups at Stanford University and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology.

You can join our group in two ways:

• The SLAC Theory Group and the Stanford Physics Department introduce graduate students to research early in their careers. Students can join members of our group for short term research projects within each quarter of their first year in terms of rotations.
• The staff and faculty members of the SLAC Theory Group advise Stanford PhD theses.

If you are interested in working with us, simply reach out to any of our group members and we are happy to discuss possibilities. We encourage students to meet with every member of our group. An easy way of getting to know us is to join the Stanford physics graduate student orientation held annually in September.  To contribute to the research of the SLAC Theory Group we strongly recommend attending the Quantum Field Theory I course (physics 330). Our Wednesday and Friday seminars  provide a great opportunity to hear about recent developments related to our research activities.

A short presentation of the SLAC Theory Group was given on Sept. 21st 2023 within  the presentation of Theory at SLA C  from 9:50 am to 10:10 am.

  Contact person: Prof. Thomas Rizzo

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© 2024 SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science.

  Graduate Student Program Information Particle  Physics and Astrophysics Faculty Introduction The SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC) was founded in 1962, formerly known as Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. A brief summary of the history and the facilities can be found on the SLAC Virtual Visitor Center . A unique arrangement at SLAC is that it is not only a national laboratory but also a school in the academic system of Stanford University with the SLAC director being the dean of the SLAC school. SLAC faculty members in the Particle Physics and Astrophysics (PPA) faculty and Photon Science faculty also formally supervise Ph.D graduate students with student enrollment through Stanford Physics Department and Applied Physics Department. This web page contains information for students working with the SLAC PPA faculty, including the associated accelerator physics research.    SLAC Particle Physics and Astrophysics Faculty Latest Events New Graduate Student Orientation SLAC program (Sep/20-21/2017) Prospective graduate student openhouse SLAC program (Mar/21-22/2017) New Graduate Student Orientation SLAC program (Sep/21-22/2016) Prospective graduate student openhouse SLAC program (Apr/4-5/2016) New Graduate Student Orientation SLAC program (Sep/16-17/2015) Prospective graduate student openhouse SLAC program (Mar/17-18/2015) New Graduate Student Orientation SLAC program (Sep/7-8/2014) Prospective graduate student openhouse SLAC program (Apr/1-2/2014) New graduate student orientation SLAC program (Sep/19-20/2013) Prospective graduate student openhouse SLAC day program (Apr/8/2013) New graduate student orientation SLAC day program   (Sep/20/2012) Prospective graduarte student open house SLAC PPA program introduction (Lance Dixon Mar/2012) New graduate student orientation SLAC day program   (Sep/22/2011) Stanford open house Apr/5-6/2011 (PPA program at SLAC) for prospective Stanford graduate students New graduate student orientation particle/astro/accelerator session at SLAC   (Sep/16/2010) SLAC open house Apr/2/2010 for prospective Stanford graduate students New graduate student orientation particle/astro/accelerator session at SLAC  (Sep/16/2009) Research Programs and Opportunities Particle Physics and Astrophysics Science Program Program infoformation: Elementary Particle Physics (EPP) Energy Frontier: ATLAS , Linear Collider Detector SiD @ ILC Intensity Frontier: MicroBooNE/DUNE , EXO , Heavy Photon Search (HPS) Cosmic Frontier (part of KIPAC): LUX/LZ , CDMS Theoretical Physics Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology with KIPAC   Research Programs General info on major projects Accelerator Physics  

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  Information for SLAC Visitors   Marguerite shuttle: Live Update , Schedule (then look for SLAC line)

Stanford University Links

Stanford Institute for Theoretical Physics

Our research includes a strong focus on fundamental questions about the new physics underlying the Standard Models of particle physics, cosmology, and gravity; and the nature and applications of our basic frameworks (quantum field theory and string theory) for attacking these questions.   Our research also includes a major emphasis on the novel phenomena in condensed matter physics that emerge in systems with many degrees of freedom.

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Graduate research in astrophysics at Stanford

KIPAC members are involved in answering a wide range of exciting and fundamental questions in astrophysics and cosmology.  Some of this information can be found in this summary of our current research and of  research interests of KIPAC Senior Members . Feel free to contact any KIPAC member about these research opportunities. We note that graduate students in Stanford Physics are not admitted to a specific group or subfield, so there is no need to contact members of the faculty ahead of time.

The department pursues its research goals through every avenue -- from developing the theoretical framework with both analytical and numerical methods, to strengthening those frameworks through the design and construction of innovative instruments with the power to unlock the mysteries of the Universe, and through careful observations and data analysis of a wide range of topics with a broad range of wavelengths, from radio to gamma rays! As a new graduate student at KIPAC you can take full advantage of this diversity and wealth of knowledge, experience, and opportunities.

KIPAC and the Stanford Physics Department aim to provide graduate students with research experiences early in their career. Students have the option of doing a research rotation with a different faculty member each quarter in their first year of study.  KIPAC graduate students are typically immersed in research projects straight away, allowing them to gain valuable breadth in knowledge and research practices.

KIPAC has extensive resources to support its graduate students, including computing resources , the opportunity to participate and run topical workshops, and a very active outreach program .

KIPAC has a strong commitment to an inclusive environment, where all members are valued and supported to do their best work. KIPAC has an equity and inclusion committee actively working on several topics of current interest, and several KIPAC people are also active members of the Physics Department Equity and Inclusion committee , which has developed a five-year strategic plan on Equity & Inclusion.

Applying to the program

Application to be a graduate student at KIPAC is done through the Stanford Physics Department .  Information about the application process can be found here .   Fee waivers are available for eligible students (please start your request at least 3 weeks before the application is due). Students are admitted to the Physics program as a whole, and are able to work with research advisors in any area of physics or astrophysics.

The department is interested in understanding and mitigating barriers to access to all of our programs, including barriers based on citizenship status, accessibility, or financial or logistical challenges.  If you are interested in our graduate program but there are barriers that limit your ability to apply given our current procedures, we would appreciate hearing from you; we may be able to help.  Please fill out  this brief form .  The Physics Department currently requires the GRE general and Physics subject test, but we emphasize that this plays a limited role in a holistic look at the applicants.

If you have already been admitted to the graduate program in Physics, please take a look our information for new KIPAC members and we look forward to welcoming you to KIPAC soon!

More about  Graduate Students Benefits and Resources at Stanford .

The Stanford Physics, Identity and Equity (PIE) Program

The Stanford Physics, Identity, and Equity (PIE) program seeks to encourage and enable students who may face barriers while navigating the graduate school application process. The goal of this program is to support candidates from underrepresented groups in physics who have aspirations to apply to doctoral programs and become future leaders in the scientific community. This three-day program (10.06.2022-10.08.2022) will provide prospective applicants with information and guidance on the graduate experience, the PhD application process, and the various research interests at Stanford. Students will have the opportunity to interact directly with Stanford faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. 

Find out more

Master's program

Students interested in research with faculty at Stanford should apply directly to the PhD program. The purpose of the master’s program is to further develop knowledge and skills in applied physics and to prepare students for a professional career or doctoral studies. This is achieved through completion of courses, in the primary field as well as related areas.  45 units of completed course work in science and/or engineering at Stanford are required for the M.S. degree. There is no thesis component to the M.S. program, and research within faculty groups is neither expected nor guaranteed. There is no financial assistance from the Department or the University for students enrolled only in the terminal M.S. program. We note that eligible students often obtain teaching assistant appointments through other departments. Students enrolled in the PhD program may file for an M.S. degree en route to the Ph.D. 

The number of graduate students admitted to Applied Physics is limited. Applications to the Master of Science and Ph.D. programs should be received by December 15, 2023. M.S. and PhD. students normally enter the department the following Autumn Quarter. Joint applicants for the  Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program  must submit their Knight-Hennessy Scholars application by October 11, 2023 by 1:00pm Pacific Time and Applied Physics application by December 1, 2023. 

The Physics subject GRE exam is recommended for the Ph.D. and Master's programs .  Applicants are encouraged to submit scores, but they are not required. The subject GRE score can assist the admissions committee develop a more complete evaluation of the applicant. This is especially helpful for students who apply to our program from less traditional backgrounds or for students whose academic records do not fully show off their academic strengths. The committee is quite cognizant of the limitations of the exam and does not give it weight beyond the complementary information it adds to the existing strengths in the application material.  The general GRE exam is optional  and has less weight in admissions evaluations compared to the subject exam. The decision on whether to submit GRE scores is completely up to the applicant. 

The specific 45 units of course requirements for the Master of Science degree are the following, which are also discussed in the Stanford Bulletin :

• Courses in physics and mathematics to overcome deficiencies in the undergraduate preparation.
• Advanced Mechanics or Statistical Physics – 1 quarter (3 units)
• Electrodynamics – 1 quarter (3 units)
• Quantum Mechanics – 2 quarters (6 units)
• 33 units of additional advanced courses in science and/or engineering. 18 of the 33 units may be any combination of advanced courses, directed study units, and 1-unit seminar courses to complete the requirement of 45 units.
• View core coursework list of the MS degree .
• View information about applying to grad school .
• https://graddiversity.stanford.edu/graduate-fee-waivers

View Admissions Overview

View the Required M.S. Program Application

Contact the Applied Physics Department Office if additional information on any of the above is needed.

PHYS-BS - Physics (BS)

Program overview.

The undergraduate program in Physics aims to provide students with a strong foundation in classical and modern physics. The program develops quantitative problem-solving skills and the ability to conceive experiments and analyze and interpret data. These abilities are acquired through both coursework and opportunities to conduct independent research. The program prepares students for careers in fields that benefit from quantitative and analytical thinking, including physics, engineering, teaching, medicine, law, science writing, and science policy in government or the private sector. Sometimes, the path to this career will be through an advanced degree in physics or a professional program.

Physics is concerned with a rigorous, mathematical understanding of the fundamental laws that govern our universe and everything in it. The Physics major provides students with a foundational knowledge of the pillars of modern physics: mechanics, electromagnetic theory, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics. The major is designed around a range of pathways that allow students the flexibility to explore a particular interest in more depth, including but not limited to astrophysics, biophysics, computational and mathematical physics, education, geophysics, and quantum information science.

Physics majors have pursued careers in basic or applied research, teaching, and policy, as well as in many parts of the private sector as engineers, consultants, and founders of startups. Others have combined the Physics major with a minor or major in the humanities and pursued careers in the arts.

Physics majors often pursue advanced degrees, including coterminal master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied & Engineering Physics, Statistics and other fields, and PhD programs in physics or other fields.

All prospective physics majors should take the Physics Placement Diagnostic to get sound advice on which introductory physics sequence will be sufficiently challenging without being overwhelming and where to begin in that sequence. During their first year at Stanford, prospective Physics majors are encouraged to take, each quarter, the highest level Math course (among Math 19, 20, 21, and the 50 series) for which they satisfy the prerequisites. Prospective majors, especially those beginning the major during sophomore year, can contact the undergraduate program coordinator ([email protected]) to arrange an advising appointment. Students who have had previous college-level courses should make an advising appointment for placement and possible transfer credit. For additional information, see the Registrar’s Office webpages on  External Test Credit  (e.g., AP or IB) and  Transfer Credit .  To petition for a waiver or substitution, use  this form .  

Physics Placement Diagnostic

All students:  You must take the Physics Placement Diagnostic if you intend to enroll in either PHYSICS40 or PHYSICS41 or PHYSICS45 or PHYSICS61 and you have never taken an entry-level Physics course at Stanford -- i.e., you have not taken at least one of PHYS 21, 23, 25, 41, 41A/E, 43, 45, 61, 71 (formerly 65), 81 (formerly 63).

For more information, see the department’s Physics Placement Diagnostic page.

Course Plans for the Start of the Physics Major

See these sample plans for starting the Physics and Engineering Physics majors for students enrolling in autumn 2022 or later. Since incoming students have a wide range of backgrounds in math and physics, six different plans are provided; each plan assumes a different starting point in math (MATH 19, 20, 21, or 51 or 61) and/or in physics (PHYSICS 41, 43, or 61). You will receive advice on the best starting point when taking the Placement Diagnostics for Math and Physics .

Course plans for pursuing different Physics pathways are provided below the sample plans for the start of the major .

Preparing for the Major

To declare a major in Physics, see the Physics Department website on How to Declare .  

Suggestions for Students Interested in Pursuing a Ph.D. Program in Physics or Closely-Related Fields

Physics research is roughly divided into fields that include astrophysics, atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) physics, biophysics, condensed matter physics, and particle physics. Physics research at Stanford includes computational, experimental, observational, and theoretical work in these fields. It can be helpful to consult with faculty in each research area you might be interested in pursuing in graduate school since recommendations for preparation often vary by field. See the Physics  Research Areas webpage  to get started.

The above requirements are the minimum for the Physics major; they are intended to provide a foundation in math and physics that prepares students for the wide range of careers pursued by Physics majors. However, if a student is considering pursuing a PhD in Physics, the department recommends completing more than the required Math and Physics courses in a pathway. In particular, they should take PHYSICS 110, 121, 131, 134, and 171, which are necessary elements of undergraduate Physics in preparation for PhD programs.

The department also recommends acquiring laboratory experience, e.g., courses such as PHYSICS 100, 104, 105, 106, 107, or 108, or research experience in an experimental laboratory. It also recommends completing additional Physics and Math courses based on the student’s interests and the advice of faculty in their field(s) of interest. In addition, they should pursue research in physics, e.g., through the Undergraduate Summer Research program in the Physics department or through research opportunities outside Stanford.

The department strongly recommends that students consult with their Physics major advisor (and faculty in any research area in which they are interested) for recommendations on courses and research or internship opportunities and attend the faculty-led group advising meetings held near the end of autumn quarter on applying for summer research and in the autumn and spring quarters on thinking about advanced degrees.

Biomedical Physics (BMP) PhD Program

Welcome to Biomedical Physics at Stanford!

Application deadline.

December 1, 2023

Learn how to apply  

Stanford University is uniquely positioned to translate fundamental discoveries in basic science to understand biology in humans and lead in academic discoveries of novel therapeutics and diagnostics.

Dr. Sanjiv Sam Gambhir, Former Chair, Department of Radiology, Stanford University

The Biomedical Physics (BMP) Graduate Program is a PhD training program hosted by the Departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology within the Stanford University School of Medicine. The objective of the PhD in BMP is to train students in research focused on technology translatable to clinical medicine, including radiation therapy, image-guided therapy, diagnostic, interventional, and molecular imaging, and other forms of disease detection and characterization with molecular diagnostics. Given the evolution of modern medicine towards technologically sophisticated treatments and diagnostics, there is a need for well-trained leaders with this educational background and the skills to conduct meaningful and significant research in this field. Stanford University has a rich tradition of innovation and education within these disciplines, with advances ranging from the development and application of the medical linear accelerator towards radiation treatment of cancer to the engineering of non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging having been pioneered here.

Thanks to the efforts of faculty in these departments and the support of department chairs Dr. Quynh Le and the late Dr. Sam Gambhir, we created the BMP program in 2021 to train doctoral students within the world-class research environment at Stanford. In fall 2021 we will solicit our first round of applications for students. The first incoming class beginning in fall 2022 will take courses spanning traditional and emerging topics in medical physics and perform original research under the mentorship of experts in this evolving discipline. This is the first PhD program at Stanford housed in clinical departments and will be leveraged this position at the intersection of basic and clinical science to train students in translational research. We look forward to helping you achieve your educational goals within our program and to training the next generation of leaders in this burgeoning field.

Daniel Ennis, Ted Graves, Sharon Pitteri, and Daniel Spielman BMP Program Directors

The Biomedical Physics program is an essential component of Stanford Medicine’s commitment to excellence in education, scientific discovery, bench-to-bedside research, and clinical innovation.

Dr. Lloyd Minor, Dean, Stanford University School of Medicine

PhD Students Research Spotlights

Mathematical and Engineering Minds Driving Cutting-Edge Breakthroughs

Main navigation.

Enumerative Combinatorics of Phylogenetic Trees

PhD Student:  Chloe Shiff Advisor:  Prof. Noah Rosenberg Focus Area: Computational Biology

Risk Control for Large Language Models PhD Student: Catherine Chen Advisor: Prof. Lihua Lei Focus Area : Computational Mathematics

Numerical Simulation of Explosive Volcanic Eruptions PhD Student:   Frederic Lam Advisor:   Prof. Eric Dunham Focus Area: Computational Physics  

Optimality of First-Order Debiasing in Functional Estimation PhD Student:  Jikai Jin Advisor:  Prof. Vasilis Syrgkanis Focus Area: Causal Inference, Causal Machine Learning  

Machine Learning Methods  for Studying the Nonregulatory  Genomics of the Human Heart

PhD Student:  Salil Deshpande Advisor:  Prof. Anshul Kundaje Focus Area: Computational Biology  

Evaluating Genetic Engineering Trade-offs Through Whole-cell Modeling of Escherichia coli PhD Student: Riley Juenemann Advisor: Prof. Markus Covert Focus Area : Computational Biology

Improving Generalizability for In-the-Wild 3D Human-Cetric Perception with Limited Supervision

PhD Student:  Zhenzhen Weng Advisor:  Prof. Serena Yeung-Levy Focus Area: Computer Vision  

Analyzing Labor Market Dynamics, Individual Careers, & Gender Disparities Using Big Data & Computational Methods

PhD Student:   Tianyu Du Advisor:   Prof. Susan Athey Focus Area: Computational Social Sciences

Application of Numerical Linear Algebra to Scientific Computing and Operational Research

PhD Student:   Xun Tang Advisor:   Prof. Lexing Ying Focus Area: Computational Math  

Modeling of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms

PhD Student: Adrien Specht Advisor: Prof. Emmanuel Mignot Focus Area : Computational Biology

High-Fidelity Modeling and Simulation Approaches for Large-Scale Pool Fires: Towards a physics-based VVUQ paradigm that includes the effects of fuel type, pool shapes, crosswind, and objects

Stefan domino, computational scientist, sandia national laboratory, event details:, this event is open to:.

Abstract  Peak radiative and convective loads can be characterized as a function of fuel type, pool size and shape, crosswind characteristics, and the presence of engulfed objects that may be damaged. While quiescent pool fires present a significant threat to objects that are engulfed or in proximity to the fire, the presence of crosswind strongly facilitates enhanced fuel/air mixing to drive increased thermal loadings. Bluff body interactions further enhance mixing due to recirculating flow. This high-Reynolds number flow configuration requires a wall-modeled paradigm, and mandates large-eddy simulation usage due to the failure of Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes models in this complex crosswind flow regime. In this seminar, a large-eddy simulation approach is described that is designed to evaluate the credibility and predictivity of a high-fidelity turbulent reacting flow model suite that includes multiphysics coupling to soot transport, participating media radiation, and conjugate heat transfer. In addition to highlighting the mathematical and numerical approach for this low-Mach number application, several use case-driven scenarios are presented that include large-scale quiescent pool fires, pool fire shapes/crosswind sensitivity, and a study designed to explore the role to which a realistic inflow turbulent boundary layer influences transient and mean large-scale pool fire quantities of interest. Future research topics including the need to accurately predict heat fluxes on engulfed objects in crosswind and the role to which next exascale computing may enable further physics elucidation will be outlined.   

Bio Dr. Domino is a computational scientist from Sandia National Laboratories (NM) whose research interest rests within low-Mach fluid mechanics methods development for complex systems that drive the coupling of mass, momentum, species and energy transport. His core research resides within the intersection of physics elucidation, numerical methods research, V&V techniques exploration, and high-performance computing and coding methods for turbulent flow applications. Stefan earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (2000) from the University of Utah, where he also supported the technical objectives of the ASCI Alliance Center, C-SAFE. He has published extensively in the fire science research area and has contributed towards advancing the field of numerical approaches for low-Mach unstructured turbulent flow. While working at Sandia, he has continued the Laboratories goal towards fire science advancement and has supported several high-impact projects of interest to National Security including Deep Water Horizon (Labs response) and the COVID-19 pandemic. He has earned several awards including the Sheldon Tieszen award for a distinguished career in pursuit of technical excellence in addition to team-based awards for the FAA’s response to ValueJet Flight 592. Stefan also supports the teaching of ME469, Computational Methods in Fluid Mechanics, through his Adjunct Professor appointment at Stanford's School of Engineering, Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering while continuing his primary career at Sandia as a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff.

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UChicago scientists invent “living bioelectronics” that can sense and heal skin

Flexible, adaptable, storable patch combines bacteria and sensors to interface with body.

For years, Prof. Bozhi Tian’s lab has been learning how to integrate the world of electronics—rigid, metallic, bulky—with the world of the body—soft, flexible, delicate. 

In their latest work, they have created a prototype for what they call “living bioelectronics”: a combination of living cells, gel, and electronics that can integrate with living tissue.

The patches are made of sensors, bacterial cells, and a gel made from starch and gelatin. Tests in mice found that the devices could continuously monitor and improve psoriasis-like symptoms, without irritating skin.

“This is a bridge from traditional bioelectronics, which incorporates living cells as part of the therapy,” said Jiuyun Shi, the co-first author of the paper and a former PhD student in Tian’s lab (now with Stanford University).

“We’re very excited because it’s been a decade and a half in the making,” said Tian.

The researchers hope the principles can also be applied to other parts of the body, such as cardiological or neural stimulation. The study is published May 30 in Science.

A third layer

Pairing electronics with the human body has always been difficult. Though devices like pacemakers have improved countless lives, they have their drawbacks; electronics tend to be bulky and rigid, and can cause irritation.  

But Tian’s lab specializes in uncovering the fundamental principles behind how living cells and tissue interact with synthetic materials; their previous work has included a tiny pacemaker that can be controlled with light and strong but flexible materials that could form the basis of bone implants .

In this study, they took a new approach. Typically, bioelectronics consist of the electronics themselves, plus a soft layer to make them less irritating to the body.

But Tian’s group wondered if they could add new capabilities by integrating a third component: living cells themselves. The group was intrigued with the healing properties of certain bacteria such as S. epidermidis , a microbe that naturally lives on human skin and has been shown to reduce inflammation.

They created a device with three components. The framework is a thin, flexible electronic circuit with sensors. It is overlaid with a gel created from tapioca starch and gelatin, which is ultrasoft and mimics the makeup of tissue itself. Lastly, S. epidermidis microbes are tucked into the gel.

When the device is placed on skin, the bacteria secrete compounds that reduce inflammation, and the sensor monitors the skin for signals like skin temperature and humidity.

In tests with mice prone to psoriasis-like skin conditions, there was a significant reduction in symptoms.

Their initial tests ran for a week, but the researchers hope the system—which they term the ABLE platform, for Active Biointegrated Living Electronics—could be used for a half-year or more. To make the treatment more convenient, they said, the device can be freeze-dried for storage and easily rehydrated when needed. 

Since the healing effects are provided by microbes, “It’s like a living drug—you don’t have to refill it,” said Saehyun Kim, the other co-first author of the paper and a current PhD student in Tian’s lab.

In addition to treating psoriasis, the scientists can envision applications such as patches to speed wound healing on patients with diabetes.

They also hope to extend the approach to other tissue types and cell types. “For example, could you create an insulin-producing device, or a device that interfaces with neurons?” said Tian. “There are many potential applications.”

Tian said this is a goal he has harbored since his time as a postdoctoral researcher nearly 15 years ago, when he first began experimenting with “cyborg tissues.”

“Since then, we’ve learned so much about the fundamental questions, such as how cells interface with materials and the chemistry and physics of hydrogels, which allows us to make this leap,” he said. “To see it become reality has been wonderful.”

“My passion has always been to push the boundaries of what is possible in science,” said Shi. “I hope our work could inspire the next generation of electronic designs.”

Other paper authors with the University of Chicago included Pengju Li, Chuanwang Yang, Ethan Eig, Lewis Shi, and Jiping Yue, as well as scientists with Rutgers University and Columbia University.

The researchers used the Soft Matter Characterization Facility and the Pritzker Nanofabrication Facility at the University of Chicago. They are also working with the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation to commercialize the technology.

Citation: “Active biointegrated living electronics for managing inflammation.” Shi and Kim et al, Science, May 30, 2024.

Funding: U.S. Army Research Office, National Science Foundation, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Acceleration Program, University of Chicago startup grant, Rutgers University startup grant.

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Tunneling Through the Cell: Structure and Transport in Organelle Networks

Dr. koslover, elena f., seminar information.

Seminar Series Biomechanics & Medical Devices

Seminar Date - Time June 7, 2024, 9:00 am - 10 AM

Seminar Location SME 248 ASML Conference Center

Eukaryotic cells contain a variety of complex architectures that modulate the transport, distribution, and delivery of molecular components. In this talk we will explore the emergent structure and transport properties of the peripheral endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which forms an interconnected network of tubules spanning throughout the cell.  Analytic calculations of mean first passage times, numerical reaction-diffusion simulations, and analysis of live-cell imaging data are used to demonstrate how the reticulated architecture of this organelle supports its ability to rapidly disperse and deliver proteins and calcium ions. Furthermore, we will show how a liquid network model, incorporating edge tension and new tubule growth, describes the emergent steady-state structure and dynamic rearrangements of the peripheral ER. The organelle system discussed here highlights the role of physical modeling in elucidating the interplay of structure and function in living cells.

Elena Koslover is a professor of physics at the University of California, San Diego. She obtained her undergraduate degrees in biology and mathematics at the California Institute of Technology, an MPhil in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge, and a PhD in Biophysics at Stanford University, where she worked on modeling genome mechanics and intracellular fluid dynamics. Her research group uses theoretical and computational techniques, together with analysis of quantitative data provided by collaborating groups, to understand how the morphology and organization of cellular structures determine the spatiotemporal distribution and interaction kinetics of intracellular components.