The NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology is composed of investigators at the forefront of innovative research at the interface of mathematics and biology. Each member of the NSF-Simons NITMB brings a unique perspective that is vital for achieving the NITMB’s mission to develop new mathematics and inspire biological discovery. In order to highlight the diversity of expertise present, and the valuable contributions of NITMB members, the NITMB will be sharing insight into one of our members every month.
Petia Vlahovska, Professor, Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics, Northwestern University
Petia Vlahovska is a Professor of Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics at Northwestern University. Vlahovska’s research interests span membrane biophysics, fluid dynamics, and non-equilibrium soft matter.
We spoke with Petia Vlahovska to learn more about Vlahovska’s research exploring membrane biophysics.
What is your current research area?
“I’m very interested in understanding how electrical signals, either native to the cells and living organisms or external, impact life. We focus particularly on understanding how cellular membrane morphology changes in response to changes in the transmembrane potential. Recently we’ve been working on the question of if and how membrane fluidity is modulated by the membrane electric field. How do we quantify and measure the membrane fluidity?”
What disciplines does your research integrate?
“Fluid dynamics, soft matter, membrane biophysics, and cell mechanics. I am formally trained as a chemist and engineer, and I always liked theory and modeling. Now as an applied mathematician, I have a unique opportunity to do modeling across fields. I have a lab, so a large portion of my research is experimental. I like the synergy of experiment and theory”
Where do you find inspiration?
“Curiosity is the main drive in my research. I’ve found that working on one problem opens up other problems. It’s a natural evolution of questions. Most of the questions I have explored were prompted by discoveries in the lab. Talking to experimentalists is also inspiring. I have a collaboration with the Membrane Biophysics Lab in the Max-Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (Germany). I like to go to conferences and sit in on random sessions to learn new things. I always advise my students and postdocs to attend as many seminars as possible because that’s the perfect way to open up your mind to what’s out there.”
What aspects of your research could be interesting to mathematicians or applied to biology?
“Nonlinear dynamics and emergent behavior. For me as a theorist, I try to look at biological problems and distill the essential features of a complex phenomenon. Analysis is essential for making sense of the data we gather. I had a colleague who used to tell me conclusions are as good as the model you use. How do you differentiate between different models of phenomenon and which one is correct? The mathematical feature that goes through all that we do is nonlinearity and how do we develop analytically tractable models of complex phenomena, and how do we use the solutions to guide the development of more detailed models?”
What about the NITMB do you find exciting?
“When the NITMB was announced, it was great to see that there is such a huge investment to further the application of theory and modeling in biology. The other thing I found exciting in this Institute is how it helps establish collaborations with the University of Chicago. The Institute provides good ground for biologists to talk to modelers. I’m also very excited about the summer program for the undergraduates. This year I had a phenomenal student working with me. I’m very excited to see the next generation of applied mathematicians getting trained to understand and appreciate collaborations with biologists.”
What career achievement are you most proud of?
“I like the problems that we solved, and I would like to think that they have had some impact in the world. In terms of accolades, I was just awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship, which I think is exciting because it gives me freedom to work on a problem I choose. I am also very excited with the students I have mentored. A couple of them went on to work in academia, and some are in companies. We’re still talking to each other, and I’m excited to see how they have grown. It’s great to see how they work on products that make a difference in the world.”
Outside of your research, what other interests do you have?
“I really like hiking. I go every year to one or two national parks to explore. On a daily basis I like reading science fiction and fantasy books. I like opera and love music. Chicago has the phenomenal Lyric Opera, and they have great performances. I also enjoy hanging out with my family. I have twins that are seventh graders, and I’m trying to convince them that math is cool. I think my greatest achievement would be if they fall in love with math.”
What are you hoping to work on in the future?
“Thanks to the NITMB, I started a collaboration with someone I never expected to collaborate with at the University of Chicago, Suriyanarayanan Vaikutanathan. We met at a lunch and discussed membranes. He mentioned he was interested in membranes too, but from a completely different perspective. I am hoping to continue this collaboration that grew out of random interaction. Had it not been for the support of the NITMB, this would never have gone anywhere.
There is a very good understanding of what is happening at equilibrium, but out of equilibrium, theory is limited. Life exists outside of equilibrium. Learning how to describe non-equilibrium processes is one of the big questions that motivates my research. There is also this big question about the importance of bioelectricity – after all, electric signals underpin communication within our bodies. I hope to continue to explore these problems.”
The NITMB is proud to have Petia Vlahovska as a valued member of the Institute. More information on Petia Vlahovska’s work is available on the Vlahovska Lab website.