Dynamics of Complex Fluids

In our lab, we study complex fluids, encompassing materials as diverse as polymer solutions, colloidal suspensions, biomaterials and active materials. They include everyday materials like paints, food, and plastics as well as biological systems like DNA, proteins, the interior of cells, and the extracellular matrix.

Research

A unifying theme among complex fluids is that microstructure influences the macroscopic behavior. We understand these materials and develop new applications through use of experimental, theoretical, and computational methods.

Latest Publications

Non-Newtonian interfacial modeling of protein drops sheared in microgravity

Latest News

January, 2026

Prof. Underhill presents the talk Connections that Inspire as part of the Faculty Spotlight series.

Acknowledgments

Our research has been financially supported in part by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the National Science Foundation, the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund, the Department of Energy, IBM, and the ISS National Lab (CASIS).

We also acknowledge collaborations and discussions with Amgen, Inc., Telledyne Brown Engineering, Inc., and Tec-Masters, Inc.