The Kaufman Group studies complex systems in which dynamics are strongly affected by crowding.
A variety of systems of interest in chemistry and soft condensed matter physics display dynamics strongly influenced by crowding. We study a subset of such systems with an assortment of techniques.
Crowding is surprisingly important in biology on a number of different lengthscales. Protein folding, macromolecular diffusion in the densely packed environment of the cell, and cell motility in the crowded environment of the extracellular matrix are all affected by crowding. We focus on the last of these issues. We also work to understand and control biopolymer gelation to create 3D environments appropriate for the study of cell migration in crowded environs.
Areas of study currently include:
