People

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.

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.