John Fricks

John Fricks' research covers a broad range of both biological systems and mathematical tools with which to study those systems. A unifying theme is the use of random dynamics to understand biological function through time and/or space. Molecular motors are protein structures that transport cargos, such as organelles, through cells. Using mathematical models and statistical techniques, Fricks works with lab scientists to link observations from experiments in artificial environments to what happens in a living cell.

In addition to work on motors, Fricks is developing statistical techniques to understand the effects of the protein-rich environment of biofluids has on micron and smaller objects that move through them, such as bacteria, viruses, and drug-delivery particles. Fricks has been working with epidemiologists to develop new vaccine strategies for infections such as influenza using yearly observations of infections at the whole-country level.