Dr. Arnold Mathijssen

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Arnold Mathijssen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania. His research interests focus on the interplay between physics and biology, specifically exploring the fundamental principles underlying biological systems. Mathijssen leads a lab that aims to unravel the physics of pathogens and design biomedical materials while understanding the collective functionality of living systems that exist out of equilibrium. His work employs methods from microbiology, fluid mechanics, and statistical physics to address multi-scale problems, with recent themes including hydrodynamic communication, pathogen clearance in airways, and particle delivery technologies. In addition to his academic research, Mathijssen is actively involved in professional responsibilities as an Associate Editor for Physics Fluids and chairing various conferences. He has received numerous honors, including the Undergraduate Research Mentorship Award from UPenn and the New Investigator Award from the Charles E. Kaufman Foundation. He is associated with the Centre for Soft Living Matter at UPenn, an interdisciplinary center that unites researchers from multiple departments.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

2021-01-01 — Present

Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania • Philadelphia, PA

Teaches undergraduate and graduate courses while conducting research on the physical principles of biological systems.

Postdoctoral Fellow

2017-01-01 — 2020-01-01

Lab of Manu Prakash, Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Conducted research on experimental biology and developed innovative solutions to biological challenges.

Awards

#

Undergraduate Research Mentorship Award

2025-01-01
#

New Investigator Award

2023-01-01
#

Klein Family Social Justice Award

2022-01-01
#

Charles Kittel Award

2019-01-01
#

International Research Travel Award

2019-01-01
#

Sir Sam Edwards PhD Thesis Prize

2016-01-01

Requirements for University of Pennsylvania

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.6
GRE General
Verbal
Required:162
Quantitative
Required:162
Overall
Required:162
GMAT
Total Score
Required:728
Overall
Required:728
TOEFL
Total
Required:115
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong quantitative background
Application Checklist
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Essays
Specialization Notes

Wharton Doctoral programs cover fields like Finance, Marketing, Management, and Operations, Information and Decisions.