Physics Program Presents
From Curiosity to Inventions: Exploring the Design Principles of Biological Soft Matter
Friday, April 14, 2023
Hegeman 107
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EDT/GMT-4
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EDT/GMT-4
Yeonsu Jung, Harvard University
Exploring the design principles of biological soft matter is a complex task due to disorder, nonlinearity, and interactions, among other factors. In this presentation, I will discuss my research on several biological and bio-inspired soft matter systems, including water uptake by plant roots in soil, animal architecture built based on granular jamming and entanglement principles, and stingray-inspired wearable proximity sensor.To tackle the complexity of biological soft matter, I use a combined experimental and theoretical approach. Image-based visualization techniques, including Particle Image Velocimetry, Interferometry, and X-ray Tomography, are essential for accurately describing complex systems. With proper image analysis, these methods yield microscopic-scale quantitative data.
The explanatory power of theoretical modeling and computation complements the limitations of experimental approaches. Additionally, understanding the design principles of biological systems can inspire the development of bio-inspired inventions. My research aims to not only understand biological phenomena but also develop complex systems inspired by living organisms through collaboration with material scientists and roboticists.
During the presentation, I will discuss how combining experimental and theoretical techniques can provide a fundamental understanding of biological systems. Furthermore, I will explore how studying the design principles of biological systems can lead to the development of artificial systems beneficial for environment and human society.
For more information, call 845-758-6822, or e-mail [email protected].
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EDT/GMT-4
Location: Hegeman 107