Fradin Research Group
Welcome to the Fradin lab, an experimental molecular biophysics group at McMaster University,
a joint venture between the departments of Physics & Astronomy and Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences.
Enjoy your visit!
Our group is interested in the dynamics of living systems, from the motion of biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, lipids) to that of cells themselves. Ultimately, we are trying to answer the question: How do living cells reconcile constant molecular noise with exquisite organization and agency?
We use fluorescence methods to quantify molecular and cellular dynamics, complemented by structural studies with neutron & x-ray scattering. Our research also has a strong computational component, where we develop image analysis algorithms and perform simulations. We work with a number of model biological systems, from in vitro reconstituted systems to live organisms.
Average time needed for proteins to diffuse through a compartment of a given size. Adapted from Fradin, BBA-Proteins and Proteomics, 2017.
Our Values
Interdisciplinarity
Our research is interdisciplinary by design and draws from different fields, in particular: soft condensed matter physics, optics, cellular & molecular biology, and chemical engineering. We manage this by learning new things every day, and closely working with awesome collaborators.
Curiosity
Asking the right questions is both important and difficult. In our group, we aspire to tackle questions that are relevant to biology, while looking for some of the universality and simplicity offered by physics models. Ultimately, our work is driven by curiosity and wonder at the way living organisms function.
Collegiality
Cooperation, companionship, and respect are encouraged and expected of every member of our group, and should be extended to everyone, no matter their identity, appearance or background.