Science

What we study

Biochemistry inside a cell is organized rather than well mixed. Molecules are concentrated and partitioned in space and time so that reactions proceed where and when they are needed. A central mechanism of this organization is the biomolecular condensate, a membraneless compartment that varies widely in size and composition, concentrates select biomolecules, and imposes a distinct physical and chemical environment on the reactions within. We quantify that environment with high precision and sensitivity, measuring concentration, density, viscosity, refractive index, pH, ion content, and solvent structure, and resolving how condensates form, mature, and dissolve under environmental stress.

This connection makes cellular adaptation a problem we can measure, model, and engineer.