Interfaces define a spatial region of a few nanometers where the chemical composition, the density, and the dielectric properties abruptly change. For example, liquid-liquid interfaces occur in oil-water droplet emulsions and polymer coacervates. In living organisms, liquid-liquid interfaces result from biomolecules undergoing solvent-mediated phase separation. Strong electric fields (which can catalyze redox chemical reactions) have been detected at the interfaces of biomolecular condensates. Interfaces also transduce energy and information in biology and offer a glimpse at intermolecular forces. Scientists study interfaces to develop new energy and information processes, and more recently, to emulate brain functionalities and develop neuromorphic computers. This research lies at the intersection of soft matter, interfacial science, biology, and materials science.

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I aim to understand how interfaces swiftly and efficiently transduce energy and information. I also want to manipulate the mechanical properties of materials via interfaces to convert electrochemical energy into mechanical work.