Academic interests
As a part of the HAIRY project, I work on elucidating the unknown dynamics of bubbles and droplets on, through and near hairy surfaces. Inspired by the fascinating use of bubbles in animal fur, we realised that the dynamics of how bubbles actually move through such hairy structures is unknown. Thus, I have created model systems with 3D printing and casting elastomers known as PVS - vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) - into regular shapes. This material lets me determine the elasticity very well, while keeping other parameters constant. By changing the elasticity, bubble size and fluid viscosity, we hope to elucidate a phase diagram for the behaviour of bubbles through such geometries, with applications in areas like bubble and cell sorting and microfluidics.
I am very interested in any application of viscous fluid dynamics, especially related to biological systems like cancer research, neuroscience and cell biology. Fundamental research also interests me greatly, by understanding the unanswered questions in fluid flow, including dynamics in intermediate and high viscosity systems; and the interplay of elasticity, capillarity and porosity in complex systems.
Background
My master's degree was completed in 2025 at NTNU in Trondheim, where I studied Applied Physics and Mathematics, with a focus on Biophysics and Medical Technology. The degree included many topics from advanced physics to cell biology and experimental chemistry, with the consistent viewpoint of a physicist. This has primed me to be comfortable and effective at tackling engineering and chemical problem solving in and outside the lab.
My thesis focused on the gelation of DNA-coated colloids. By creating monodisperse polystyrene colloids, I was able to attach very short ssDNA strands to their surface (10-12 base pairs), which selectively binds to only those colloids containing their complementary strands. Thus, several species of colloids (that is, different DNA strands) can be mixed in the same system without any two species interacting appreciably with each other. When brought below their melting temperature, a given species of DNA-coated colloids form a gel, without the others forming it. Doing this, I was able to create a "trigel" of DNA-coated colloids (three species gelling independently in the same giant cluster) with gelling/melting points being distinguishable with the same procedure (diffusing-wave spectroscopy).
In addition to my doctoral work, I am a part of the Social Committee for PhDs and Postdocs, where we organize different social events for the temporary employees here at the Department of Mathematics. You can contact me any time of day if you have any questions or thoughts. Also, my office is always open, given that I'm there!