Dr. Piotr Marszalek

Biography

Piotr Marszalek is a Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Duke University. His research investigates the relationships between structural and mechanical properties of biopolymers, including polysaccharides, DNA, and proteins, at a single-molecule level. His main techniques involve experimental scanning probe microscopy and computational methods, including Molecular Dynamics simulations and ab initio quantum mechanical calculations. Marszalek's ultimate goal is to understand these relationships at an atomic level and utilize the knowledge gained to elucidate fundamental phenomena such as molecular recognition in protein-sugar interactions and mechanotransduction in mechanical sensing in living organisms. His investigations into DNA focus on employing atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques to develop ultra-sensitive assays for detecting DNA damage and enhancing the mechanistic understanding of DNA repair processes. His work not only contributes to essential scientific understanding but also lays the groundwork for future applications of AFM technologies in nanoscale DNA diagnostics, promising potential benefits for human health.

Research Interests

Courses