Department of Biophysics at the Medical College of Wisconsin

The Department of Biophysics at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) has a rich history of innovative research focused on protein structure and function, biomedical imaging, membrane biology, and redox biology. Our unique expertise in technology development spans the range of magnetic resonance technology, computational methods for biophysics and image analysis, and chemical biology.

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Biophysics Research

Strong programs in structural biology & biomedical imaging

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Biophysics Technology

Innovation, cutting-edge techniques

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Biophysics PhD Program

Hands-on instruction in MRI and molecular biophysics

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Biophysics People

Unique expertise, strong collaborations

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Biophysics News

All Department News

New High-Sensitivity EPR System Advances Protein Dynamics Research

July 17, 2025

Scientists in the Department of Biophysics have developed a high-sensitivity, stopped-flow EPR spectroscopy system capable of resolving millisecond timescale conformational exchange rates in spin-labeled proteins.

Study Shows Bacteria Detect pH and Shape-Shift to Launch Tiny Survival Pods

June 26, 2025

Discovery could lead to smarter vaccines and drug delivery systems that release medicine exactly where your body needs it.

Use of SCFAs Conjugated to a Polyphenol May Improve Parkinson's Disease Treatment

June 24, 2025

Biophysics scientists have found that the use of SCFAs conjugated a polyphenol may improve the therapeutic efficacy of levodopa in treating Parkinson’s disease.

Call for Applications Department of Biophysics Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

May 29, 2025

The Department of Biophysics Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is awarded to a scientist of exceptional promise and creativity who recently earned a PhD degree (within 1 year).

Schmainda Lab Receives ASNR Awards

May 20, 2025

The Kathleen Schmainda lab received two awards at ASNR 2025.

Article Proposes New Approach for Specific Detection of Peroxynitrite

March 27, 2025

International collaboration results in new approach for specific detection of peroxynitrite.

Study Highlights Potential of Mito-LND to Improve Prostate Cancer Treatment

January 14, 2025

International Journal of Molecular Sciences article highlights the potential of mitochondria-targeted lonidamine (LND) to improve prostate cancer treatment.

Biophysics Names Vice Chairs

December 10, 2024

Dr. Francesca Marassi appointed three vice chairs within the MCW Department of Biophysics.

Knowledge Changing Life in the Department of Biophysics

November 26, 2024

Drs. Kerschner and Costakos visited Biophysics as part of the Rounding with the Deans of the School of Medicine initiative.

Biophysics Postdoc Nick Wood Receives F32

November 19, 2024

Nick Wood, PhD, postdoctoral researcher in the Marassi laboratory, has been awarded a three-year $225,000 Kirschstein-NRSA F32 by NIH/NIAID.

Heidi Geiger Named Department Administrator for Biophysics

November 11, 2024

Heidi Geiger joined Biophysics as Department Administrator effective Nov. 11.

Diagram showing role of SCFAs in cancer prevention and treatment

Biophysics Authors Review the Role of SCFAs in Cancer Prevention and Treatment

October 7, 2024

The authors discuss the mechanisms and applications of SCFAs in preventing and mitigating cancer metastasis.

PagC, embedded in the bacterial cell membrane, changes to conformation from an extended tube at neutral pH to a conical wedge at acidic pH. This causes the surrounding membrane lipids to bend and form vesicles that ultimately pinch off from the bacterial membrane.

Recent Findings Open New Avenues for Antimicrobials and Vaccine Development

August 13, 2024

Scientists in the Department of Biophysics have discovered a new mechanism for microbial pathogens to sense and respond to host environmental pH and enhance the production of extracellular vesicles.

Chemical structures of levodopa and analogs

Mitigation of Gut Bacterial Metabolism of Levodopa Could Enhance Its Efficacy

June 7, 2024

Communications Biology article discusses a promising therapeutic approach to enhancing the bioavailability of levodopa.

Dr. Candice Klug Awarded S10 for ELEXSYS-II E500 X-Band CW EPR Spectrometer System

April 24, 2024

Dr. Klug was awarded a $471,670 S10 from the NIH to fund a new ELEXSYS-II E500 X-Band continuous-wave EPR spectrometer system.

Dr. Jimmy Feix Receives R21 to Study Parkinson's Disease

April 24, 2024

Dr. Feix was awarded a $429,000 R21, titled "Modifying the Microbiome to Enhance L-dopa Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease," from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Dr. Kalyanaraman receiving an honorary degree from two individuals at Aix-Marseille University

Dr. Kalyanaraman Honored at Aix-Marseille University in France

April 22, 2024

Dr. Balaraman Kalyanaraman has received the Aix-Marseille University Doctor Honoris Causa title.

Dr. Kyungsoo Shin Has Top Scoring Faculty Poster

March 25, 2024

Dr. Shin has winning poster presentation at Research Day 2024.

Induction of Nrf2-dependent antioxidant enzymes by butyrate and potential detoxification of ROS/RNS.

Authors Review Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Parkinson's Disease in Redox Biology Article

February 20, 2024

The review article examines the role of SCFAs in the gut and gut–brain axis in Parkinson's disease.

Dr. Zielonka Awarded Multi-PI R01 Grant

February 2, 2024

Drs. Zielonka and You received a grant to study anticancer potential of mitochondria-targeted isothiocyanates.

Dr. Mona Al-Gizawiy Awarded Two AHW Grants

January 1, 2024

The AHW Endowment awarded Dr. Al-Gizawiy grants to study glioblastoma and breast cancer.

Dr. Jeannette Vasquez Vivar Receives Multi-PI R01 from NINDS

December 29, 2023

Dr. Vasquez Vivar and collaborators were awarded a R01 from the NINDS to investigate the mechanisms of motor deficits of cerebral palsy and congenital tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency.

Letter to Editor of Cancer Communications Touts Great Clinical Potential of Mito-ATO

November 9, 2023

Dr. Kalyanaraman and international collaborators found that Mito-ATO promotes anti-lung cancer immunity.

Article by Biophysics Researchers Selected as Antioxidants Cover Story

October 5, 2023

The authors discuss their work to develop the novel neuroprotective agent, TG15-132.

Reactive oxygen/nitrogen species formation and NETosis.

New Perspectives on OXPHOS-Targeting Drugs for Cancer

October 4, 2023

The authors recommend that TPP+-based drugs should undergo clinical trials in patients with cancer.

Dr. Francesca Marassi Featured in Cancer Center Newsletter

October 3, 2023

Read the MCW Cancer Center's Oct. 3, 2023, newsletter for an interview with Dr. Marassi.

Biophysics Researcher Publishes Review in Antioxidants

September 20, 2023

Dr. Subczynski and international co-authors published a review on the biophysical basis of oxygen regulation and its correlation with lens transparency.

Froedtert & MCW Drive Patient Enrollment for Multicenter Glioblastoma Trial

September 13, 2023

Froedtert and MCW were the combined top accruing team for the multicenter ECOG-ACRIN EAF151 trial, a phase 2 glioblastoma study.

Dr. Francesca Marassi Appointed to MCW Cancer Center Leadership Team

September 1, 2023

The MCW Cancer Center appointed Dr. Marassi as associate director of shared resources.

Communication by MCW Researcher Discusses Use of DNP Technique to Overcome Low Sensitivity of NMR

August 3, 2023

Dr. Francesca Marassi and co-authors published an article in Biochemistry.

Considering a Career in Biophysics?

The Department of Biophysics at MCW is an excellent place to work. And we're hiring!

Why Work for Biophysics?

The Department of Biophysics has been on the forefront of innovation since its inception, and is brimming with creativity. We have strong research programs in structural biology and biomedical imaging, including electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). State-of-the-art research resources geared toward these programs—including laboratories for EPR, NMR, MRI, X-ray crystallography, cryo electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, biomolecular analysis, and high-performance computing—are available.

See Job Opportunities in Biophysics

Why Work at MCW?

The Medical College of Wisconsin brings together the most inquisitive minds in science, medicine, education, and community engagement to advance biomedical knowledge and solve human health challenges. Our goal is to harness the power of academic medicine, where scientists, clinicians, and students actively collaborate with each other and the community, to find novel solutions to the challenges in health and society today. We ask the questions no one else is asking to fuel the continuous cycle of knowledge that’s shaping the future of translational research.

Learn More About MCW

Why Work in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee is one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets and a prime location for the Medical College of Wisconsin’s main campus. Milwaukee has a rich cultural heritage and is recognized for its museums, art and music scenes, championship-winning sports teams, festivals, breweries, and historical architecture. The city has access to a multitude of beautiful parks, rivers, and lakes. Milwaukee's charming neighborhoods are known for their character, variety, and architecture, and offer a superb quality of life. Milwaukee is a city that’s growing and changing, and there’s energy in the air.

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Contact Us

Biophysics
Medical College of Wisconsin
8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53226

(414) 955-4000

Directions to Biophysics (PDF)