I am a first-year PhD student in the Mathematics for Real-World Systems Centre for Doctoral Training at the University of Warwick. My research interests lie generally in the field of systems biology and in particular in mathematical/physical models of such real world systems. Currently, my focus could be narrowed further down to sorting, topology and structural control in cells; of particular interest are physical descriptions from an energy minimisation point of view.

Current Research:

With joint supervisors Matthew Turner of Warwick and Pierre Sens of Institut Curie, I am looking at the structure of the Golgi Apparatus, a key organelle found in cells responsible for the distribution of proteins and lipids throughout the cell. The Golgi can be divided into two distinct compartments, the Golgi complex, a stack of cisternae akin to a stack of American pancakes, and the Trans Golgi Network (TGN), characterised by many saddles, cups and tubules. The reasons for this bi-compartment structure are not well understood and this is the question we seek to answer by application of a critical physical lens, mathematical techniques and biological insights.

Contact Information:

Email: Nathan.van-der-Riet@warwick.ac.uk a new window

Office: D2.17Link opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window Zeeman Building