Maryam Hejri, QBioS Thesis Proposal

Quantitative Biosciences Thesis Proposal

Maryam Hejri

School of Physics
Advisor: Dr. Peter Yunker (School of Physics)
Open to the Community

Biophysical Drivers of Biofilm Structure: From Starvation to Cooperative Dynamics

Friday, September 27, 2024

1:00 pm

In-Person Location: IBB, Suddath Seminar Room 1128

Zoom Link: https://gatech.zoom.us/j/94358976076?pwd=vBjpaKjbbkEQda3iO7tfpYWLTTCtkq.1

Committee Members:

Dr. Sam Brown (School of Biological Sciences)

Dr. Jennifer Curtis  (School of Physics)

Dr. Ozan Bozdag (School of Biological Sciences)

Abstract:

This proposal aims to deepen the understanding of biofilm growth dynamics by exploring key biophysical mechanisms in both single-species and multispecies biofilms. The research will investigate how nutrient limitations and starvation influence vertical growth and structural integrity in biofilms, examining how these constraints shape biofilm resilience. 

Additionally, the study will analyze the role of physical forces in horizontal range expansion, particularly focusing on the relationship between contact angle and biofilm spreading behavior. By exploring whether internal biofilm dynamics or environmental interactions drive expansion, this work aims to clarify key determinants of biofilm spread. 

Finally, the proposal will extend these investigations to multispecies biofilms, where cooperative dependencies between strains influence overall structure and spatial organization. This research will address how interspecies interactions affect biofilm topographies and how initial conditions, such as density, shape the biofilm’s emergent properties. Through these approaches, the project aims to provide new insights into the physical and biological processes that govern biofilm formation and expansion.