Biophysics
Our research illuminates new physical tools to better understand biological systems. One recent CCB discovery grants the ability to directly observe gene expression in live cells. We also investigate the interaction of proteins and nucleic acids, the folding of proteins, chromophores, biofilms, and the hydrophobic effect in water.
Biophysics Faculty
Adam Cohen
cohen@chemistry.harvard.eduJohn P. Reardon Jr. Professor of Chemistry & Chemical Biology and of Physics
(Accepting Graduate Students)
Laboratory Manager: Hillary Piccerillo Adam Cohen works at the interface of physics, chemistry and biology. His lab develops new physical tools to study molecules and cells. The Cohen Lab developed fluorescent voltage-indicating proteins which enable...
Daniel G. Nocera
dnocera@fas.harvard.eduPatterson Rockwood Professor of Energy
(Accepting Graduate Students)
Daniel G. Nocera is the Patterson Rockwood Professor of Energy at Harvard University. A descriptive bio of Professor Nocera can be found here.
Eugene I. Shakhnovich
Shakhnovich@chemistry.harvard.eduRoy G. Gordon Professor of Chemistry
(Accepting Graduate Students)
Laboratory Manager/Administrator: Pattee McGarry The research of Professor Eugene Shakhnovich and his group is directed towards understanding the basic principles of protein folding and structural and dynamical properties of other complex polymer systems...
Joanna Aizenberg
jaiz@seas.harvard.eduAmy Smith Berylson Professor of Materials Science
Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Laboratory Manager/Administrator: Marina McLaughlin The Aizenberg lab's research is aimed at understanding some of the basic principles of biological architectures and the economy with which biology solves complex problems in the design of multifunctional...
Xiaowei Zhuang
zhuang@chemistry.harvard.eduDavid B. Arnold, Jr. Professor of Science
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator
(Accepting Graduate Students)
Laboratory Manager/Administrator: Rona Gertner Xiaowei Zhuang works in the areas of single-molecule biology and bioimaging, developing imaging techniques to study biological systems quantitatively. The understanding of living organisms has greatly...
Recent News
Adam Cohen receives Genomic Medicines Fund award
The Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) is pleased to announce that awards have been made to five projects from the Harvard University Genomic Medicines Fund. The fund is intended to support of research involving genome editing that is useful...
Xiaowei Zhuang awarded the 2026 Dickson Prize in Medicine
Xiaowei Zhuang, David B. Arnold Jr. Professor of Science at Harvard University and Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Dickson Prize in Medicine, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s highest...
Profile: The atlas maker of the microscopic world
Throughout the history of biology, numerous discoveries stemmed from observing living systems, but seeing the innerworkings of living organisms presents challenges. Xiaowei Zhuang, David B. Arnold Professor of Science, has spent her career developing...
