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University research directory
Research labs at
University of Massachusetts.
Compare 5 listed faculty-led profiles, explore their research interests, and follow the evidence in their selected work. These listings are a starting point for discovery and do not establish recruiting availability.
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Review each lab’s official website and recent publications. Compare the methods used, the questions being asked, and the practical requirements of any published opening. Unclaimed profiles are independently curated; the university has not approved or endorsed them.
How to compare research labs ↗Official university website ↗5 research-led lab profiles
Browse labs by their listed college affiliation
Independently curated · UnclaimedGreg Grason Research Group
University of Massachusetts
Greg Grason · Professor
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.
James Walsh Research Group
University of MassachusettsJames Walsh · Associate Professor
How does extreme pressure create new bonding and enable synthesis of exotic solid-state materials with unusual properties? The Walsh Lab investigates chemical reactivity under extreme pressure to target synthesis of novel solid-state compounds. The group integrates dynamic compression techniques and high-pressure synthesis to access kinetically-stabilized non-equilibrium phases. Researchers apply X-ray crystallography and magnetic, spectroscopic, and bulk property measurements to characterize newly discovered materials. The team targets properties including superhardness, ultrahigh density, chemical and heat resistance, superconductivity, and permanent magnetism through controlled high-pressure chemistries.
Independently curated · UnclaimedJianhan Chen Research Group
University of MassachusettsJianhan Chen · Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
How can advanced simulation methods reveal mechanisms of intrinsically disordered proteins and biomolecular condensates at biologically relevant scales? The Chen Research Group develops theoretical and computational methods for molecular modeling and simulation applied to biophysical and biomedical problems. The group creates advanced conformational sampling algorithms, implicit solvent force fields, and GPU-accelerated simulation algorithms to study proteins and RNAs. Researchers apply multiscale simulations and physics-informed machine learning to generate dynamic conformational ensembles for IDPs, fibril formation, and ion channel gating. The lab collaborates with experimental groups to validate models and study disease-relevant systems like amyloid formation and membrane ion channel regulation.
Jonathan Rothstein Research Group
University of MassachusettsJonathan Rothstein · Distinguished Professor
How do non-Newtonian fluids change flow and wetting behavior under shear and extensional deformation during processing for energy and environment? The group performs experimental Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid mechanics studies to characterize flow responses and material behavior in complex fluids. Researchers measure shear and extensional rheology to determine how molecular architecture controls stress and strain rates in complex fluids. They investigate interface wetting phenomena to link surface interactions with flow, film formation, and coating stability. Laboratory experiments address polymer processing conditions to relate rheological behavior to processing outcomes for materials and polymer systems.
Mingxu You Research Group
University of MassachusettsMingxu You · Professor
Can programmable DNA and RNA devices be built to sense metabolites and control cellular information flow with spatial precision? The You Research Group engineers genetically encoded fluorescent RNA sensors for cellular imaging of metabolites and small molecules. The group images force transduction at cell–cell junctions using single-molecule level approaches to study mechanotransduction. Researchers perform in vivo selection and high-throughput evolution of aptamers to discover functional nucleic acid binders inside living cells. The lab designs conditional self-assembly mechanisms for DNA/RNA nanostructures to enable programmable diagnostics and delivery platforms.
Showing 1–5 of 5 labs