We are a theoretical biological physics research group, focusing on the dynamics of large-scale molecular assemblies, such as the ribosome, viral capsids and the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. Through the development and use of a variety of models, we are working to identify the physical principles that guide biomolecular dynamics. We are also interested in using molecular simulation approaches to interpret experimental data from a wide range of techniques, including biochemical, small-angle X-ray scattering and cryogenic electron microscopy. With the interdisciplinary nature of this research, we work closely with chemists, biologists, engineers, computational scientists and medical researchers, in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding that spans from the basic sciences to medical applications. In addition, we are fortunate to be located in the Center for Theoretical Biological Physics (CTBP) and to have a vibrant community of biological physics researchers at Northeastern University.

News

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Research

Logo Project

Investigating the energetics of the ribosome

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Logo Project

Understanding the principles of SARS-CoV-2 infection

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Logo Project

Modeling ions and electrostatics in biomolecules

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People

Principal Investigator

Paul Whitford
Paul Whitford
Professor of Physics

Graduate Students

Sandra Byju
Sandra Byju
George Wanes
George Wanes
Nate Avish
Nate Avish
Salah Hassan S
Salah Hassan

Undergraduate Researchers

Stephen Whitcomb Physics, NU

Past Undergraduate Researchers

Magdalene Namwira BioE, NU
Sasha Nario Roxbury CC
Tigran Petrosyan Physics, Yerevan State University
Sheila Sossavi BioE, NU
Daniel Garcia Roxbury CC
Patricia Jean-Baptiste MechE, NU
Clinton Mehe Texas Southern Univ.
Isaac Busaleh Univ. Houston
Joshua Bigman Physics, NU
Nisaa Pender ChemE, NU
Claude Roc MechE, NU
Kelsey Walak ChemE, NU
Amalia DeCoursey Physics, NU
Osmaan Shahid Physics, NU
Ransom Horne Eng., NU
Jonathan Perrier MechE, NU
Kai Schofield Physics, NU
Liah Dukaye MechE, NU
Keith Clayes Physics, NU
Jovaun Jackson MechE, NU

Alumni

Kien Nguyen Ph.D., 2017.
Huan (Joyce) Yang Ph.D., 2018.
Prasad Bandarkar Ph.D., 2021. Now at Brown Univ.
Mariana Levi Ph.D., 2018.
Frederico Freitas visiting PhD student: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais
Asem Hassan Ph.D., 2022. Now at Univ. Arizona.