Plant Biophysics and Engineering

We pursue scientific and technological questions related to the coupling of transport phenomena and physicochemical processes in plants and synthetic systems inspired by plant physiology. We develop experimental methods to study the vascular physiology of plants and build systems biological models to dissect the underlying mechanisms. 

Through our work in the Center for Research on Programable Plant Systems (CROPPS) and other projects, we collaborate extensively with plant scientists on these themes. In parallel, we pursue the design of synthetic materials and devices inspired by plant physiology to explore new physical phenomena and address applications in sensing, energy management, and control of phase behavior in fluid systems. 

Through our research on the biophysical design principles of plants, we aim to have translational impact on the sustainability of agricultural practices, develop predictive models of plant-environment interactions, and open new approaches for engineering materials for energy management.