Dr. Zuckerman is an expert in computational biology and bioinformatics. The Zuckerman group uses physics-based computational methods to study molecular, meso- and cell-scale systems. Starting from force laws for individual atoms, molecular simulation can provide a detailed picture of nano-scale biological behavior and aid rational drug design. The group develops and applies simulation methods to access important biological timescales and behaviors — such as protein conformational changes associated with ligand binding. The group also uses kinetic models to study "meso-scale" molecular machines, with a focus on the rotary ATPases which remarkably can act as proton pumps or ATP synthases. A new area of interest is modeling complex cellular morphologies and behaviors observed in cancer cells. All the group's work is underpinned by statistical physics and thermodynamics, which govern nano- to micro-scale biology.

Education

Ph.D., Physics, University of Maryland, College Park: December, 1998. Advisor: Michael E. Fisher. Topic: Statistical Physics of Electrolytes.