USC.edu
Department of Physics and Astronomy

Avishuman Ray

Ph.D. Student
Avishuman Ray
Email avishuma@usc.edu

Biography

I’m a 2nd yr. Ph.D student in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and I work with Prof. Christoph Haselwandter to understand the theoretical underpinnings of complex biological systems through the lens of physics.

Prior to this, I completed my Bachelors in Physics (Hons.) from the Univeristy of Calcutta in 2017 and my Masters in Physics from IIT Kanpur in 2022, where I worked with Prof. Sagar Chakraborty to investigate social dilemmas in the framework of Evolutionary Game Theory and using tools from dynamical systems theory. 

Currently, I’m investigating the physics of mechanosensation in vertebrates by studying  the self-assembly of LINC complexes in the inner nuclear membrane by developing a robust phenomenological model through the Stochastic Lattice Model, and by using the theory of membrane shape deformations to study the mechanical gating of Piezo ion channels.

Education

  • MS , Indian Inst. of Tech.-Kanpur
  • BS , Univ Calcutta

  • Summary Statement of Research Interests

    I’m currently interested in studying the structure and the role of LINC complexes in maintaining structural integrity of the nucleus against mechanical stress. I’m working with Prof. Haselwandter to build a theoretical framework which can robustly account for the behavior of LINC complexes that have been experimentally observed by our collaborators.

    Research Keywords

    Mechanosensation, Self-assembly, Pattern Formation, kinetic Monte Carlo, Membrane Shape Deformation, Stochastic processes

  • Journal Article

    • Dornsife Ph.D. Academy Scholarship and Research Fund,