Mohtadin Hashemi, PhD
mzh0233@auburn.edu
Leach Science Center 3126
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Hashemi Research Group
Short Bio
Dr. Mohtadin Hashemi is an assistant professor in the Department of Physics at Auburn University, where he leads the experimental Single-Molecule Biophysics Group.
His lab develops and applies high-resolution biophysical tools to quantitatively study how proteins interact with DNA, membranes and other biomolecules. This work has applications in areas such as Alzheimer’s disease, protein aggregation and genome regulation.
Education
PhD Molecular Biophysics University of Nebraska Medical Center 2018
MSc Nanotechnology Aalborg University 2013
Professional Experience
- Assistant Professor, Auburn University, 2023-present
- Research Instructor, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 2021-2023
- Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 2018-2021
Innovation
Our group is interested in studying protein-protein and DNA-protein interactions at the single molecule level to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms that govern the most important molecules of life. Our research projects are at the intersection of biology, chemistry, engineering and physics, and we collaborate across disciplines to carry out our multi-disciplinary scientific program required for state-of-the-art single-molecule characterization. Method and technique/instrument development to facilitate our studies are also important aspects of our work.
Engagement
Dr. Hashemi is committed to building excitement for physics and biophysics in the broader community and making complex physical concepts tangible for any audience.
He and his trainees take part in College of Sciences and Mathematics STEM outreach programs. His group has developed several hands-on demonstrations that show molecular and large-scale forces at work:
- Fire Tornado: A visually striking experiment that uses fire to demonstrate the effects of airflow and pressure gradients.
- Coriolis Carousel: A hands-on demonstration showing how Earth’s rotation, and rotation more broadly, shapes large-scale motion.
- Sticky Situations: A series of experiments, including Oobleck, liquids that can be cut with scissors and immiscible liquids, that show how attractive and repulsive molecular forces shape the properties of materials.
