Aravinthan D. Samuel

For using the techniques and tools of the physicist to answer questions in biology. Samuel is studying the neural systems of one of biology's workhorses--the roundworm--through a variety of methods, including using ultra-fast lasers to perform "neuronanosurgery." The goal is to develop better knowledge of the complexity of neural systems, which can help improve understanding of the neural systems of more complex organisms. Samuel is involved in a number of educational activities with undergraduates and high-school students, placing a special emphasis on education at the interface of the biological and physical sciences.