Dr. Vinothan Manoharan

Biography

Vinothan N. Manoharan is the Wagner Family Professor of Chemical Engineering and Physics at Harvard University. His research primarily focuses on addressing difficult problems in condensed matter biophysics. This involves understanding the systems that lead to liquid states and the formation of glasses, which are distinct from crystalline structures. His work examines how proteins consistently fold into unique structures despite the numerous possible pathways available, driven by the forces exerted by macromolecules. This encompasses exploring forces that define structures of aggregates and living organisms. Additionally, Manoharan is involved in materials science and nanotechnology, emphasizing the preparation and organization of materials at the nanoscale. His lab employs various experimental techniques including light scattering, optical microscopy, and spectroscopy to delve into the physics of self-organization. His experiments typically utilize colloidal particles and suspensions ranging from micrometer size, leveraging Brownian motion to probe internal dynamics of networks and fluids, and using optical tweezers to manipulate protein and DNA molecules for deeper insights into random motion and phase transformations from disorder to order.

Research Interests