Research Units

We seek the principles governing the behavior of whole organisms, integrating physics, biology and computational approaches to understand life's most complex and fascinating phenomena.

Every day, millions of cells divide to sustain essential tissue functions. Errors in this process can lead to developmental disorders or cancer. Our research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of cell division and quality control in both normal and cancer cells, aiming to uncover how cells maintain genomic stability and regulate proliferation. By integrating high-throughput imaging, gene editing, and genome-wide screening, we seek to expand our understanding of these fundamental processes and how their dysregulation contributes to cancer. Our lab is driven by a curiosity-based approach, grounded in the belief that fundamental research is essential for uncovering the principles that govern life. By investigating the intricate mechanisms controlling cell division, genome maintenance, and cellular quality control, we aim to reveal how these processes go awry in cancer. Through this knowledge, we strive to identify cancer-specific vulnerabilities, discover novel biomarkers, and open new avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies.

Using a mouse model, the Cell Signal Unit explores the cause of various diseases that include cancer, neuronal disorders, immunological diseases, and diabetes/obesity at the molecular level....

The Chemistry and Chemical Bioengineering Unit develops methods and strategies for the construction of organic molecules that contribute to biomedical research and drug discovery.

Chiral representation theory unit investigates the symmetries arising in quantum field theories. More specifically, it focuses on the representation theory of infinite-dimensional Lie algebras such as Kac–Moody algebras, and more generally, on vertex algebras.

Collective Dynamics and Quantum Transport Unit explores dynamical and transport phenomena in various quantum matters and their spintronic, electronic, and quantum-information applications.

The Khusnutdinova Unit is interested in designing transition metal-based catalysts for efficient chemical transformations and in the development of stimuli-responsive materials.

The Energy Materials and Sustainability Unit designs advanced functional materials for selective, sustainable energy-to-fuel/chemical conversion, aiming for a circular chemical industry.

Utilizing cutting-edge time-resolved techniques, including ultrafast PEEM and ARPES, the Femtosecond Spectroscopy Unit explores extreme light-matter interaction on the nanometer and femtosecond scale.

We study interactions between small particles, such as atoms, and laser light using nano-optics tools, to better understand light’s influences on dynamics.

The Marine Structural Biology Unit uses cryoelectron tomography and single particle cryoelectron microscopy to understand various aspects of coral biology in unprecedented detail.

We develop methods for single-molecule imaging and analysis, and apply them to unravel the mechanisms by which the cellular plasma membrane perform signaling and synaptic transmission.

Our unit focuses on understanding how environmental changes impact soil microbes, particularly those that are symbiotic with or pathogenic to plants, and drive biogeochemical cycling.

The Model-Based Evolutionary Genomics Unit works at the crossroads of computational and evolutionary biology. Our long-term goal is to achieve an integrative understanding of the evolution of Life on Earth and the origins and emergence of complexity across different biological scales, from individual proteins to ecosystems. To move towards this goal, we develop and apply model-driven evolutionary genomics methods to reconstruct the Tree of Life and the major evolutionary transitions that have occurred along its branches.

The Molecular Cryo-Electron Microscopy Unit investigates the structure of macromolecular complexes with an emphasis on viruses, ion channels, and membrane proteins. The unit seeks better und...

Bridging nano to continuum scales, we develop advanced computational & imaging techniques for designing scalable processes for sustainable materials production and manufacturing.

We work in experimental nonlinear, non-equilibrium and soft matter physics. Our current research focuses on fluids, granular media, fluctuations in renewables and quantitative life sciences.

Nucleic acids DNA and RNA are fundamental building blocks of life. These biomolecules display remarkable chemical functions such as information storage, catalysis, and molecular recognition....