Ryan Morris

Ryan’s research has focused on the mechanisms which drive protein self-assembly. He employs biophysical experimental methods coupled with computational and mathematical modelling to better understand the processes which govern self-assembly of proteins in bulk solution and at interfaces. More specifically, he has studied amyloid fibril formation using precise experimental protocols and high throughput methods in order to ascertain and understand subtle features of the kinetics of assembly. The experimental results are understood through coarse-grained deterministic and stochastic models of fibril formation. Recently, he has begun to study a new class of naturally occurring surfactant proteins. The goal for this project is to understand, from a fundamental physics perspective, the processes which drive these proteins to an interface and their subsequent assembly. This knowledge can be used to establish design principles for novel material applications.