Understanding living systems
Biophysics applies the principles and tools of physics to understand living systems, from individual molecules and cells to complex tissues and organisms. By integrating physics with biology, chemistry, medicine, and computational science, biophysicists uncover the fundamental mechanisms of life and develop innovative solutions for healthcare, biotechnology, and environmental challenges.
Researchers at Waterloo investigate biological systems across a wide range of scales using theoretical, computational, and experimental approaches. Their research spans membrane biophysics, molecular neuroscience, aging and neurodegenerative diseases, quantum biology, bio-nanotechnology, targeted cancer therapies, femtobiology, femtomedicine, and the molecular mechanisms of immune defence. Researchers also explore the physical foundations of vision, ocular development, and eye disease, using advanced optical techniques to improve the diagnosis and treatment of visual disorders.
Meet our researchers
Bae-Yeun Ha, Professor
Undergraduate Advisor - Life Physics
Dr. Ha studies theoretical problems in biophysics and soft-matter physics, focusing on the physical principles that govern biological systems. His work spans bacterial chromosome organization, biomolecular crowding, bacterial outer membranes, membrane selectivity of antimicrobial peptides, biomolecular electrostatics, and polymer-mediated depletion interactions. Through theoretical and computational modeling, he seeks to bridge physics and biology, advancing our understanding of cellular organization and offering guiding principles for the rational design of peptide-based antibiotics.
Zoya Leonenko, Professor
University Research Chair
Dr. Leonenko leads a nanoscale biophysics research group that uses advanced microscopy and biophysical techniques to study biological membranes and membrane-protein interactions. Her research focuses on lipid membrane biophysics, biomedical nanotechnology, molecular neuroscience, neurodegenerative diseases, and quantum biology. By combining single-molecule and nanoscale approaches, her group investigates how membrane structure, electrical properties, and molecular interactions influence biological function and disease processes.
Qing-Bin Lu, Professor
Undergraduate Advisor - 2+2
Dr. Lu’s research spans physics, chemistry, environmental science, biology, and medicine. His work focuses on femtomedicine, cancer therapy, nanoscale surface science, ultrafast laser spectroscopy, and the physics of atmospheric ozone depletion and climate change. He studies ultrafast electron-transfer processes, DNA damage, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy, while also investigating the mechanisms underlying ozone depletion and related atmospheric processes. His research connects fundamental physical phenomena with applications in medicine and environmental science.
Want to study or partner with us?
Helping to shape and encourage the next generations of scientists is at the core of what we do. Prospective graduate students interested in studying with one of our faculty are welcome to reach out to them directly. You can also check out current student research opportunities in Earth.
Research is made better through strong collaboration. If you’re an industry leader looking to partner with us, we would love to hear from you.