Asa Kalish

How do living systems build themselves? How does living matter maintain higher-order function by coordinating processes spanning many time- and length-scales? And can we apply and extend physical theory to understand and control systems ranging from the cellular to the organismal?

These questions drive my research interests, as I use my background in physics, mathematics, and computer science to elucidate the biophysical principles governing living systems. I have specialized in quantitative imaging to work at the interface of biology and mathematical modeling, where experiment is in direct conversation with theory.

I’m currently pursuing a PhD in Biophysics at UCSF, in the lab of Dr. Zev Gartner, where I focus on using statistical physics to identify the rules by which cells self-organize in the mammary gland. I previously worked with Dr. Wallace Marshall to understand single-cell habituation in Stentor, and with Dr. Shankar Mukherji working on organelle size control in budding yeast. Check out the research page for more details!