The Angelini Soft Matter and Biophysics Lab

Dr. Thomas E. Angelini is a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida. He also holds appointments in the departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at UF. The Angelini lab works in the interdisciplinary science and engineering fields of soft matter, biophysics, and biomaterials. Our students have made groundbreaking discoveries about the fundamental mechanical behaviors of living cells, like how fluctuations in cell volume couple to large-scale patterns of motion in living tissue models, or how immune cells migrate in 3D through porous media to attack diseased tissue like cancer, or how basic mechanical instabilities can be predicted and controlled in 3D bioprinted cell populations. Executing our work often requires new materials, methods, and apparatus to be developed, leading to the invention of numerous patented technologies. Angelini lab students learn to build instruments like 3D printers and to synthesize polymers, gels, and particles. Students become experts in microscopy, photography, x-ray scattering, light scattering, rheology, and contact mechanics. Often, we combine these methods to perform multi-modal measurements. The Angelini lab is always on the lookout for students who are naturally observant, highly resourceful and creative, hard-working, and intellectually honest – qualities that can be found in people from all communities and backgrounds.