The Applied Math Lab
We are interested in the nonlinear and nonequilibrum behavior of
living and nonliving matter in all its forms. We use a combination of techniques
to pursue this, ranging from simple observations of phenomena to quantitative
experiments and theory. Many of the topics that we work on start with our everyday
experiences of the mundane, which by its very nature is robust. The challenge
is to abstract out some principle from a phenomenon that is of relevance far
beyond the particular manifestation of it. We also have a small laboratory
for tinkering around.
Recent Publications
- Sickle cell vaso-occlusion and rescue in a microfluidic device
J. Higgins, D. Eddington, S. Bhatia and L. Mahadevan, Proceedings
of the National Academy of Sciences (USA), 104,
20496, 2007. 
- The universal dynamics of cell spreading
D. Cuvelier, M. Thery, Y.-S. Chu, S. Dufour, J-P. Thiery, M. Bornens, P.
Nassoy, and L. Mahadevan, Current Biology , 17,
694, 2007.
- Nonlinear mechanics of soft fibrous networks
A. Kabla and L. Mahadevan, Journal of the
Royal Society - Interface, 4, 99, 2007.
- A dynamic fate map of the forebrain shows how vertebrate
eyes form and explains two causes of cyclopia
S. J. England, G. B. Blanchard, L. Mahadevan, and
R.J. Adams, Development, 133, 4613-4617, 2006.
- Sensorimotor control during isothermal tracking in
Caenorhabditis elegans
L. Luo, D.A. Clark, D. Biron, L. Mahadevan, and
A.D.T.Samuel, The Journal of Experimental Biology 209, 4652-4662,
2006.
- Dynamics of surfactant-driven fracture of particle rafts
D. Vella, H-Y Kim, P. Aussillous and L. Mahadevan, Physical
Review Letters,96, 178301, 2006.
- Fluid-flow induced flutter of a flag
M. Argentina and L. Mahadevan, Proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences (USA), 102, 1829-34, 2005.
- Confined elastic developable surfaces: cylinders,
cones and the elastica
E. Cerda and L. Mahadevan, Proceedings of the Royal
Society of London (A),461, 671-700, 2005.
- Self-organized origami
L. Mahadevan and S. Rica, Science, 307,
1740, 2005.
- Physical limits and design principles for plant and
fungal movements
J. Skotheim and L. Mahadevan, Science, 308,
1308-10, 2005.
all publications
Openings
We anticipate openings at the intersection of soft materials, cell
biology, chemical communications and sensorimotor neuroscience. The
candidate should be comfortable with both theoretical and experimental
methods for the analysis of problems in these fields.The position can
start at any time. Qualified persons are advised to send their CV and
names of references.
Harvard is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from under-represented groups such as women and minorities.
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Last Updated: April 24, 2008 |
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Contact Information:
L. Mahadevan,
Vitae:
Lola England de Valpine Professor of Applied Mathematics
Affiliate Professor, Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
Affiliate Professor, Systems Biology (Harvard Medical School)
Pierce Hall 324
Harvard University
29 Oxford Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Email:
Recent Press
Our work has inspired some recent articles, interviews, editorials and even
a series of paintings.
See below:
Paintings - see Jonathan Nix,
who had a recent exhibition that included the Mahadevan Series
Interview - with Giselle Weiss in the Swiss newspaper NZZ, titled Das ratsel des zerknullten papiers
Editorial - The Boston Globe - "Why
?", and International Herald Tribune - "Let's
go on asking why ?"
Article - by Jon Shaw in Harvard Magazine - The Physics of the
Familiar
How paint dries, the way flags flutter, how Nature discovered origami,
and other marvels of the physical world
Article - by Prof. Gilbert Strang of MIT in SIAM News - "A
remarkable eye for out-of-the-ordinary mathematics"
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