Shrinivas lab

Chemical & Biological Engineering , Northwestern University

Adapted from original art of David Goodsell

Vision

The lab’s vision is to understand and engineer how life works at the molecular and cellular scales. The functions of life emerge from dynamic interactions amongst billions of biomolecules that self-organize in a crowded and squishy cellular environment. We thus adopt an interdisciplinary approach - bridging ideas across biophysics, chemistry, computer science, and engineering to decipher fundamental scientific mechanisms while also pursuing translational applications to impact human health. This approach is bolstered by our extensive local ties (NU Medical School, Applied Math, Center for Synthetic Biology, National Institute for Theory and Math in Biology) and broader collaborations with scientists across the country. Towards and beyond the science, we believe in fostering an environment that supports the well-being and success of all members.

If you are interested in learning more - check out our research, papers, code, or open positions.

Latest news

Aug 14, 2026 Congratulations to Angie for delivering an excellent REU talk and to CSB/DeFeo for support!
Aug 10, 2026 Lots to celebrate in the lab this August - birthdays for Ethan and Neha, plus some fun with origami along the way!
Jul 22, 2026 We hung out at the beach, played football (soccer, obviously) and kuub, and got yummy arepas!

selected publications

  1. Physics-guided design of intrinsically disordered proteins.
    Neha Tyagi=, Jackson Boodry=, Vita Chou, Wilton T Snead, and Krishna Shrinivasc
  2. Combinatorial decision-making driven by multicomponent surface condensates
    Aidan Zentner, Ethan V Halingstad, Cameron Chalk, Michael P BrennerArvind MuruganErik Winfree, and Krishna Shrinivasc
  3. Generalized design of sequence-ensemble-function relationships for intrinsically disordered proteins
    Ryan Krueger, Michael P Brennerc, and Krishna Shrinivasc
  4. Immiscible proteins compete for RNA binding to order condensate layers
    Wilton T. Sneadc, Mary K. Skillicorn, Krishna Shrinivasc, and Amy S. Gladfelterc