Research Interests
Professor Groves is primarily interested in biomolecular information processing mechanisms, especially at the cell membrane. Living cells are not at all well-mixed reaction chambers. Rather, the molecular processes of life occur in elaborate spatial and temporal patterns. These features of chemical reactions in living systems add fascinating new dimensions to chemistry that is rarely encountered outside of biology. Current research in Professor Groves’ laboratory focuses on how protein condensation phase transitions can play important noise suppression and signal gating roles in the transmission of information from cell membrane receptors to downstream signaling systems. The research methods combine techniques in optical microscopy and spectroscopy with materials fabrication methods and cell biology. This integrated approach enables the direct observation and physical manipulation of living reaction systems, down to the single molecule level. The conceptual approach is rooted in physics and physical chemistry, with the overarching goal of developing a quantitative and mechanistic understanding biochemical processes in living systems.
