(3ax) Nanoscale Understanding On the Structure and Dynamics of Biomembranes and Biomacromolecules

Using a combination of biophysical, computational and biological approach, I will demonstrate in detail that nanoscale insights play a major role in number of biologically relevant problems. In particular I will show examples from my research work on understanding (1) interactions between amphiphilic drugs and membranes (2) interactions between proteins and peptide-inhibitors (3) self-assembly of misfolded proteins and (4) diffusion of membrane-receptor clusters in live cell membranes. Based on my doctoral and post-doctoral research work, I aim to develop a research program focusing on various open questions in above areas and further expand upon them. In this poster, I plan to discuss in detail about specific questions I am interesed in, both short term as well as long term, and identify potential funding sources. My research program is expected to contribute to various areas including, but not limited to, therapeutic drug delivery, design of bio-inspired nanomaterials, structure-based drug design, protein misfolding and cancer therapeutics. Throughout my doctoral and postdoctoral studies, I have also been actively involved in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. Further, I am interested in teaching various core chemical engineering courses as well as advanced graduate level courses.