As a senior researcher and lecturer, my laboratory in the Department of Physics explores the connections between collective activity in nanoscale particle systems and biological organisms. My recently funded projects are exploring the mysteries of protein aggregation/disaggregation and the use of magnetic nanoparticle chains for spinal cord repair. Ongoing teaching and outreach activities in my lab advance new pedagogical approaches to introductory physics and offer direct summer research opportunities to budding high school and community college STEM students. I also stay actively involved with a number of biotech startups as a scientific advisor and business consultant.