PROMOTING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BETWEEN INDIA AND THE U.S.
Physics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Research in the Swan group focuses on the structure and dynamics of soft matter over many length scales. Such materials include carefully engineered solutions of therapeutic proteins used to treat cancer and autoimmune illnesses, and elaborately concocted slurries and pastes used for atomic precision polishing of silicon wafers and the reinforcement of bullet proof vests. The microscopic constituents of such materials dictate their properties and ultimately their utility to society. By constructing an accurate, if statistical, description of the dynamics of microstructured materials, we seek to predict material properties, guide the design of new materials and explain puzzling experimental observations. The ultimate goal of such research is the discovery novel applications for cutting edge soft matter. Some projects underway with these aims include: