Greg Grason Research Group

University of Massachusetts

How do identical, locally-interacting sub-units self-organize into structures regulated at scales much larger than the units themselves? The group develops theory and computational models to study how geometric frustration produces long-range stress gradients and equilibrium self-limitation in soft matter assemblies. Researchers model filamentous matter to connect one-dimensional intra-filament shape with multi-filament organization using minimal theoretical models and computational studies. The group analyzes curvature-controlled assembly in membranes and at interfaces to explain how membrane geometry biases morphology and organization of embedded inclusions. Researchers design and analyze programmable self-assembly using DNA origami and protein-like subunits to encode and test rules for size- and shape-controlled assembly.