Bryan
Gworek

Greetings! I am a Biophysics and Quantitative Biology Doctoral student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, working under Dr. Kai Zhang and Dr. Taras Pogorelov.

My research focuses on cell signaling and protein/membrane dynamics, with an emphasis on phosphoinositides — a class of signaling lipids critical for membrane-protein interactions. These interactions drive key cellular processes, including proliferation, maturation, and development.

I work with two key protein systems: Arc (activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein), a peripheral protein that forms viral-like capsids to encapsulate mRNA in neurons, and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) such as FGFR3 and TrkA, which are central regulators of the same cellular functions governed by phosphoinositide signaling.

As a Biophysics doctoral researcher co-advised across computational and experimental laboratories, my goal is to bridge theory and experiment by using computational modeling to generate hypotheses and experimental techniques to validate them (and vise versa)! This dual approach allows me to investigate biological phenomena with a rigor and perspective that neither discipline offers alone.

In addition to my academic work, I enjoy designing and creating graphics for scientific publications, and film photography as a side hobby. You can find my various efforts below. Enjoy!