Dr Amit Singh Vishen

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick

Scientific Background

Research Interests

My research investigates how living tissues build and maintain their complex structures not just through genetic instructions, but through a rich interplay of physical signals, particularly bioelectricity. Bioelectric signals, arising from ion flows across cell membranes, are known to guide development, regeneration, and even pattern repair. I explore how these electrical cues work together with mechanical forces to coordinate large-scale tissue behaviors, such as growth, pattern formation, and structural stability. A key aim of my work is to develop a multiscale understanding of morphogenesis, connecting molecular and cellular processes like ion channel activity and membrane mechanics to tissue level behaviours.

At the heart of this work is physics-informed mathematical modeling, where the goal is not only to simulate biological systems, but to understand the fundamental mechanisms. I create models that integrate electrical, mechanical, and biochemical feedback, using ideas from soft matter physics and continuum mechanics.

Scientific Inspiration

Feynman: for curiosity, first-principles thinking, and the knack for turning messy phenomena into simple and testable models.

Fermi: for quantitative intuition and back-of-the-envelope rigor that bridges theory and experiment, yielding pragmatic predictions under uncertainty.

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: spontaneous, collaborative, inclusive.

Provision of Training

I prefer to focus on technical training and problem solving at first, leading to more independence later.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I like to be kept up to date, and will like to see project development on a weekly/monthly basis.

Communication

I am happy to discuss any issues that are impacting your ability to fulfil your potential or our expectations.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per fortnight. These meetings will be face-to-face. I am usually contactable for an instant response 3 or 4 days per week.

Work Patterns

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings) I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Biophysical Principles of Mitochondrial Homeostasis: Integrating Quantitative Modelling and Live-Cell Imaging

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Biophysical Principles of Mitochondrial Homeostasis: Integrating Quantitative Modelling and Live-Cell Imaging

Secondary Supervisor(s): Professor Orkun Soyer

University of Registration: University of Warwick

BBSRC Research Themes:

Understanding the Rules of Life (Microbiology, Systems Biology)
Integrated Understanding of Health (Diet and Health)

Project Outline

Mitochondria sustain life by generating ATP, a process critically dependent on pH, membrane potential, and matrix volume. Yet the physical principles that govern how these parameters are regulated remain poorly understood. How do mitochondria preserve their distinct volume and large negative membrane potential despite continuous fluxes of ions, metabolites, and water?

This PhD project addresses this question by integrating theory and experiment. On the theoretical side, it will develop quantitative ordinary differential equation (ODE) models that couple ion transport, osmotic balance, and membrane mechanics, providing a predictive framework for mitochondrial homeostasis. On the experimental side, it will employ perturbations of pH and ionic conditions combined with live-cell imaging to measure dynamic changes in mitochondrial volume. By uniting biophysical modelling with quantitative experiments, this work will reveal the principles by which mitochondria achieve robust regulation of their electrochemical and structural state.

These insights are directly relevant to human disease: impaired control of mitochondrial potential and volume is a hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease where loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and ionic imbalance drive neuronal death. Understanding the physical basis of mitochondrial regulation will therefore deepen fundamental knowledge and open new avenues for therapeutic strategies.

Co-supervisor on a project with Dr Munehiro Asally.