Research Area
Biophysics
Research Type
Experimentalist
Research Website
Current Projects
Stochastic Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics, Experimental Biological De Novo Assembly, Mechanics of ‘Active’ Interfaces, Active Wetting of Living Cells & Tissues
Biographical Sketch
Murrell’s interests are in understanding the mechanical principles that drive major cellular life processes through the design and engineering of novel biomimetic systems. To this end, he develops simplified and tractable experimental models of the mechanical machinery within the cell with the goal of reproducing complex cellular behavior, such as cell division and cell migration. Murrell then combines these ‘bottom-up’ experimental models with concepts from soft matter physics to gain a fundamental understanding of the influence of mechanics on cell and tissue behavior. In parallel, he hopes to identify new design principles from biology which can be used to create novel technologies.
Education
Ph.D. 2009, MIT