My work is related to the study of polymers. Specifically, I am interested in the behaviour of polymers in what is called a flashing ratchet potential. A polymer is a chain-like molecule made up of repeating segments (a commonly known type of polymer is DNA). A flashing ratchet potential is a theoretical, microscopic mechanism that would be able to transport polymers. It consists of a series of asymmetrical potential wells. When the ratchet is turned off, the polymer diffuses randomly. When the ratchet is turned on, the polymer is more likely to move in one direction than another. Thus, by turning the ratchet potential on and off, the polymer moves in a predetermined direction. This is why it is called a flashing ratchet potential; the flashing refers to the mechanism being turned on and off. Sometimes the polymer will move in the undesired direction, but the important thing is that, in general, it moves in the desired direction. I conducted my research using computer simulations. The simulations were extremely complex and were done on computer clusters. Sometimes, it can take days to get results back. The most important aspect of my research involved demonstrating the differences in results that occur when certain effects generated by the interaction between polymers and their solvents are taken into account. These are called hydrodynamic effects.

My work was important as it helped us better understand natural molecular transport systems that occur in cells. There may be practical applications for this type of molecular transport.

I decided to pursue work with my project leader because, of all my physics professors, his endeavours seemed to deal with some of the more basic aspects of nature. His research, in this respect, appeared to be the most physics-oriented.

My favourite part of what I did was computer programming. I appreciate the logic that goes into writing a program that takes my data and does something useful with it. It is very mentally engaging. I also enjoyed contemplating the physical meaning of the data that I generate.