Tapia-Rojo Lab

Rafael Tapia-Rojo; PI

I graduated in Physics from the University of Zaragoza in 2011, obtained an MSc in Biophysics from the University of Barcelona in 2012, and completed my PhD in Physics at the University of Zaragoza in 2016, working on developing theoretical and computational models to investigate a range of biological problems. Following my PhD, I joined the laboratory of Prof. Julio Fernandez at Columbia University as a Postdoctoral Researcher, to develop and apply single-molecule magnetic tweezers instrumentation to study the mechanisms of protein folding under force, in particular of force-sensing proteins such as talin. In late 2020, I moved to King’s College to work with Prof. Sergi Garcia-Manyes, obtaining a King’s Prize fellowship. In 2023, I started as a Lecturer in Biological Physics.

Inés Martínez Martín, Postdoctoral Research Associate

I graduated in Biochemistry from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in 2018 and obtained an MSc in Condensed Matter Physics and Biological Systems in 2019. I carried out my PhD work at the Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), where I investigated how posttranslational modifications and missense mutations affect the physical properties and function of titin, a key muscle protein constantly subjected to mechanical forces. In 2025, I joined the Tapia-Rojo Lab as a Postdoctoral Research Associate. My current research focuses on exploring the mechanics and dynamics of focal adhesion proteins under physiologically relevant forces using advanced magnetic tweezers instrumentation. In particular, I study how posttranslational modifications modulate the force-sensing properties of these proteins and how this, in turn, shapes cell function.

Greta Feifer Griniute; PhD Student

In 2023, I obtained my MSci degree in Physics from King’s College London. During my master’s project, I utilized Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) to investigate the Refractive Index Sensing of Pyrromethene-546 via Newton’s Rings. Subsequently, I embarked on my PhD journey as a member of the Tapia-Rojo lab, focusing on deciphering the molecular mechanisms underpinning the force-sensing capabilities of focal adhesion proteins. My research involves employing single-molecule magnetic tweezers and conducting molecular dynamics simulations.

Rahul Chowbey; PhD Student

I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Ramakrishna Miossion Vidyamandira (2018-2021) and Master’s of Science degree in Chemistry from University of Calcutta(20121-2023).

. During my master’s project at University of Calcutta, I investigated the interaction of curcumin and its derivatives with lysozyme. I synthesized the isoxazole derivative of curcumin to prevent its degradation into ferulic acid, vanillin, and vanillic acid in basic and neutral conditions and studied its interaction with lysozyme. For my PhD project as a member of the Tapia-Rojo lab, I am using single-molecule techniques to unveil folding mechanisms on proteins under force.

Elena Scibona; PhD Student

I studied Physics at the University of Milan and completed my Master’s degree In Physics of Complex System at the University of Turin, with a thesis carried out in collaboration with the Polytechnic University. There, I deepened my understanding of statistical physics, with a particular interest in its applications to biological systems. Fascinated by the interplay between physics and biology, I became interested in using tools from non-equilibrium physics to better understand how biological systems work. In June 2025 I began my PhD on the statistical thermodynamics of force-sensing protein folding. I am jointly supervised by Dr. Stefano Bo on a studentship awarded by the Centre for the Physical Sciences of Life.

Zicheng Shen; PhD Student

I obtained my MPhil degree in Pharmacy from Queen’s University Belfast. Then, I worked as a research assistant at Hunan University and Eastern Institute for Advanced Study. I am interested in the novel antibiotic research and development, especially with reduced cytotoxicity. Currently, I joined Tapia-Rojo lab as a PhD student and delved into bacteria adhesin mechanical properties by using the state of art single-molecule magnetic tweezers