The Cellular Simulation and Modeling Group of the Department of Bioengineering at the University of California, San Diego is dedicated to the development and application of computer algorithms and software for modeling large biological molecules and parts of cells.

     The main focus of our research group is to develop computer models of very large biological molecules and parts of cells. Although much knowledge has been gained by performing conventional laboratory experiments, they have limitations that computer models, or computer experiments, have the potential to overcome. An ideal computer model will allow one to see and understand what is happening in the cell even at the atomic level, it will be easy to set up and perform (perhaps with a few mouse clicks), and it will be very flexible, allowing the researcher to test hypotheses that are inaccessible to laboratory experiments. Also, the ideal computer model will useful for suggesting new laboratory experiments, and will be useful as a guide for making changes to the physical system being studied. In the years to come, we hope to develop our own computer models to the point where we can suggest changes to be made to malfunctioning cells and molecules in order to stop diseases.  More...

We welcome inquiries from interested individuals.