Christopher Lab

Welcome to the Christopher research lab.

My lab focuses on using a combination of techniques including bulk/interfacial/extensional rheology, microfluidics, and advanced microscopy to understand the flow and deformation of soft matter.  We are particularly interested in 3 areas:

• Understanding the impact of interfacial viscoelasticity on high interface systems:  In this work we attempt to characterize interfacial viscoelasticity caused by particles, asphaltenes and surfactants on liquid interfaces, and then characterize how these properties impact bulk emulsion properties.  This work has applications in commercial products, crude processing, and medicine.
• Viscoelasticity of biofilms.  In this work, we attempt to understand how environment and biological factors impact the viscoelasticity of biofilms (bacterial communities).  The mechanical properties of these biofilms affects their stability and ease of removal which impacts diseases like cystic fibrosis, wound infections, and even waste water treatment.
• 3D printing of colloidal materials: Here we attempt to use rheological characterization to both classify and quantify the likelihood a colloidal ink can be 3D printed.  We furthermore are attempting to show that changes in printing processes can be used to ultimately impact final print properties.

We work in several other areas and have many ongoing collaborations.  To see a list of our current papers, please visit my google scholars page here.