Herbert Levine

Contributions to non-linear condensed matter physics include the development of a comprehensive approach to fingered pattern formation. This work helped him to develop the understanding of biological self-organization. Early focus on how colonies of microorganisms form spatial patterns led to creation of a quantitative general framework for biological spatial self-organization. Based on physics of pattern formation, his models highlight aspects of collective phenomena acting in concert with complex biological regulatory processes that fine-tune behavior under varying environments. Pioneered the physical biology of individual cells, utilizing non-equilibrium physics and chemistry to show how cells create robust systems, sensing their environment, communicating with one another, and making decisions.