Reaction Dynamics in Complex Systems

We are an experimental physical chemistry laboratory studying chemical dynamics in complex systems. Consider the current understanding of chemical dynamics: It has been established, both experimentally and theoretically, under an idealized setting where the surrounding of a molecular system of interest is homogeneous and isotropic. Yet, in life processes and in practical applications, chemistry happens in highly heterogeneous and often anisotropic environments. The question that naturally arises is therefore: To what extent are the textbook physical picture and theoretical predictions applicable to real-life chemical transformations?

High-quality and quantitative in situ experiments are needed in order to advance the field. Towards this overarching goal, our lab has been developing new instruments and theoretical methods that are seeing applications in such areas as physical materials, chemical and materials biology, and biophysics. Current research topics include:

• the dynamics of single protein molecules, the fundamental building blocks of life;
• instrumentation to capture the real-time motion and dynamics of single molecules/particles as they explore complex, 3D environments;
• design and characterization of functional nanostructures, as well as investigation of their interaction with biological systems;
• using light to control artificial swimmers and to develop new types of active matter;
• new theoretical frameworks and statistical learning techniques to afford an objective and quantitative understanding of single-molecule and single-particle measurements.