Research Interest

Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Chemistry

With technology manufacturers pushing for smaller and smaller devices, there is a demand to control the shapes of materials on the nanoscale. By developing new mathematical models and simulation techniques, I am identifying strategies to assemble molecules into tiny wires and other useful objects. Mathematical models elucidate the rules governing the molecular assembly process, which can then be applied to understand similar process that occur elsewhere, such as within a cell.

What I like about my science

I enjoy taking a complicated molecular process and expressing it with a simple mathematical model. There is a deep beauty in this.

Researcher Q & A

Where are you from?

Christchurch, New Zealand

Why did you become a researcher?

I was not very good at science or mathematics at high school, so I wanted to challenge myself by studying these subjects at university. Eventually, this led me to research.

What is your favorite experiment, theory, device, reagent, lab equipment? Why do you like it?

I like the central limit theorem from probability theory. It explains why so much data follows a bell-shaped curve, and it is also very useful in my research.

What is your hobby?

I like marathon running. Running is important to me, because my research involves sitting down for long periods of time. It’s important to have a balanced life.

Spending time in the wetlands, Christchurch, New Zealand
We can simulate the formation of nanostructures from molecular assembly

Movies

iCeMS Leader Interviews | Dr Daniel Packwood