We use experiments, theory and computation to study motion and matter at the human scale.  Areas of interest include the patterns of shape and flow of inanimate matter in systems ranging from the supramolecular to the planetary, and the dynamics of sentient matter that can self-organize, perceive and act in systems ranging from the sub-cellular to the super-organismal. Via answers to specific questions,  we aim to get at general principles, if there be such, and get a qualitative understanding using quantitative methods – Soft Math !

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Optimal intercellular competition in senescence and cancer. Thomas C. T. Michaels and L. Mahadevan, Royal Society. Volume 479, Issu 2276, 30 August 2023. [PDF]
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How to grow a flat leaf. Salem al-Mosleh and L. Mahadevan, Physical review letters. Volume 131, Issu 9, 31 August 2023. [PDF]
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Ethics inside the black box: integrating science and technology studies into engineering and public policy curricula. Christopher Lawrence, Sheila Jasanoff, Sam Weiss Evans, Keith Raffel and L. Mahadevan, Science and Engineering Ethics. Volume 29, Article number: 23 , 22 June 2023. [PDF]
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Geometric mechanics of ordered and disordered kirigami. G. Chaudhary, L. Niu, Q. Han, M. Lewicka and L. Mahadevan, Proceedings of the Royal Society (A). Volume 479, Issue 2274, 07 June 2023. [PDF]
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Image cognition using contour curvature statistics. Andrew Marantan, Irina Tolkova and L. Mahadevan, Proceedings of the Royal Society (A). Volume 479, Issue 2274, 1471-2946, 07 June 2023. [PDF]
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An additive framework for kirigami design. Levi H. Dudte, Gary P. T. Choi, Kaitlyn P. Becker and L. Mahadevan, Nature Computational Science. Volume 3, pages 443–454, 25 May 2023. [PDF]
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The sublime in the mundane

The sublime in the mundane

“Vulgar and inactive minds confound familiarity with knowledge …. The scientist, who is not content with superficial views, harasses himself with fruitless curiosity; and still, as he inquires more, perceives only that he knows less. …” so wrote the English man of letters, Samuel Johnson nearly three centuries ago. Like the scientist, the minds of […]

A Scientist Who Delights in the Mundane

Watching Paint Dry by L. Mahadevan, The Harvard Undergraduate Research Journal

Somewhat reversing the trend towards reductionism, over the last few decades there has been a growing appreciation of the richness and variety of phenomena that arise from relatively few and fairly simple causes in the natural world. There is mystery and magic in the mundane. And what is more—it can be experienced, every day, everywhere by everyone. It is also a gentle reminder that science can be an engaging and enriching cultural, and ultimately human activity, not always a means to an end.