Research in the RDI Lab centers on using computational tools and approaches to study interfacial phenomena, whether that be the interface between: (1) an antibody and highly-mutable pathogen like HIV to enable the design of universal vaccines, (2) a small-molecule drug and cellular membrane to aid in creating novel therapeutics for treating neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, (3) a polymer and metal oxide surface to enable advances in plastics upcycling, or (4) an electrolyte and cathode material towards the development of next-generation Li-ion batteries. We employ tools spanning the atomistic to population level, including mathematical evolutionary modeling, physics-based simulations, bioinformatics, and machine learning. Our work is highly interdisciplinary, focused at the crossroads of physics, engineering and immunology, and we work in close synergy with experimentalists to inform, validate, and test our computational predictions.
keywords
Vaccine design against highly mutable pathogens, cell therapy strategies for neurological diseases, improved therapeutics for neuroinfectious diseases, Li-ion batteries, bioplastics, agent-based modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, deep learning, bioinformatics, protein/surface adsorption modeling
BMEN 3010 - Biotransport
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023 / Fall 2024 / Fall 2025
An introduction to the modeling of complex biological systems using principles of transport phenomena and biochemical kinetics. Includes the conservation of mass and momentum; rheology of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids; steady and transient diffusion in reacting systems; dimensional analysis; homogeneous versus heterogeneous reaction systems; and physiological transport systems, including receptor-mediated endocytosis and oxygen and drug transport. Recommended restriction: for students in fifth semester of Biomedical Engineering curriculum or higher.
BMEN 6950 - Master's Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022 / Fall 2024
Work with a faculty advisor on a masters thesis.
CHEN 3210 - Chemical Engineering Heat and Mass Transfer
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Examines conservation and transfer of mass and thermal energy. Focuses on conduction and convection of heat in the context of chemical processes and heat exchangers. Addresses radiation. Also studies mass transfer rate processes, including diffusion, microscopic material balances, and correlations for mass transfer coefficients.
CHEN 5919 - Special Topics in CHBE
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024 / Fall 2025
May be repeated up to 5 total credit hours.
CHEN 5930 - Professional Internship
Primary Instructor
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Summer 2025
This class provides a structure for CHEN and BIEN graduate students to receive academic credit for participating in internship experiences with industry partners that have an academic component consistent with graduate-level education in the engineering arts and sciences. Participation in this class requires an internship agreement between the student and the employment (industry) partner, detailing the academic goals of the internship experience. Instructor participation will include facilitation of mid-term and final assessment of student performance as well as additional educational opportunities during the internship period. May be taken during any term following initial enrollment and participation in CHEN or BIEN graduate programs.
