Instructors:
Prof Linda Hirst, Faculty lead, Physics UCM
Prof Bin Liu, Physics UCM
Prerequisites:
This program is aimed at high-achieving California high school students (grades
9–12) with interests in physics, biology, materials science, or engineering. No prior lab
experience required; algebra and introductory science recommended.
Overview:
This 4-week COSMOS cluster introduces high school students to the rich field of soft matter
physics, which explores materials that are easily deformed by thermal forces—such as polymers,
liquid crystals, colloids, gels, foams, and biological matter. Self-assembly, active matter,
topology and folding are just a few of the many diverse topics addressed by soft matter
researchers.
In this cluster students will get a general introduction to the field and some of the exciting
research going on in the field of soft matter. They will learn how use research microscopes and
equipment, design and build microfluidics and experiment with different complex fluids. They
can learn how soft matter principles underpin everyday materials and technologies through
hands-on labs.
By the end of the program, students will:
• Understand core concepts in soft matter
• Gain experience with optical microscopy, image analysis and experimental design.
• Carry out a mini-research projects using real laboratory equipment.
• Develop scientific communication and collaborative research skills.
This cluster will spark interest in physics by demonstrating how physics connects to everyday
materials and biology and providing doable research experiences that build confidence and
STEM identity
Program Structure:
The program will be split into three sections
1. Foundations of Soft Matter. What is soft matter? Everyday examples and fundamental
concepts. The students will learn about the main types of soft matter and get hands on
experiences with various materials usings microscopes and other analysis techniques in
Prof Hirst’s lab. This will include labs on Brownian motion and diffusion and
computational modules on random walks and diffusion. During week one we hope to
have guest lectures from physics faculty working in the field such as, Prof Dustin
Kleckner – colloids, Prof. Kinjal Dasbiswas – soft matter in biology.
2. Focus on Liquid Crystals (Led by Prof Linda Hirst). Nematic liquid crystals and
LCDs, liquid crystals in biology. Students will be introduced to liquid crystal science
through a range of lab-based experiences and hands-on demos. Activities: Students will
build and test a working liquid crystal cell (LCD), apply electric fields and observe
changes under the microscope. This activity will build skills in polarized microscopy and
image analysis using research-level equipment. Students will also explore the ways that
complex fluids play a role in biology and will perform computational labs designed to
simulate active matter, including bacterial swarming and synthetic active fluids.
3. Focus on Microfluidics (Led by Prof Bin Liu). Fluids at microscales provide essential
environments for fundamental biological processes, yet their transport mechanisms differ
drastically from the macroscopic flows we encounter in daily life. Topics will include
Stokes flow in simple homogeneous (Newtonian) fluids as well as flow behaviors in non-
Newtonian fluids with shear-dependent properties. Activities: Hands-on experiments
designed to teach the fundamental physical principles of microscale fluid flow. Students
will construct their own microfluidic pumps and channels using modular, LEGO-like
designs and 3D-printing techniques. Students will be assigned a series of microscale
fluid-transport challenges to solve through a combination of microchannel design and
pumping strategies, with all results visualized under a microscope. Throughout the class,
students are expected to uncover surprising aspects of microscale fluid dynamics and gain
firsthand experience with the challenges of transporting matter at small scales.
Final Event
Potential integration with the Physics REU program and other campus summer programs poster
session. Or a standalone poster gathering with physics majors.