Filament networks using theoretical physics
Date
2013-10
Authors
Müller-Nedebock, Kristian
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
Kristian Müller-Nedebock’s association with Stellenbosch
began when his parents moved the family here
from his place of birth, Eshowe, in KwaZulu-Natal. With
predilections for libraries, Lego and Latin, his pursuit of
drama, music and experimental construction and electronics
projects at home pointed toward a future academic
career. Eventually, after enthusing about many
disciplines, conversations with inspirational academics
at Stellenbosch University led Kristian to settle on the
study of physics.
Following his B.Sc. and honours degrees, with a
focus on theoretical physics, Kristian received a scholarship
from the Emanuel Bradlow Foundation to pursue
Ph.D. studies as a member of St John’s College, Cambridge.
It was at the University of Cambridge, under
the supervision of Professor Sir Sam Edwards at the
Cavendish Laboratory, that he commenced studying aspects
of the networks that are also the topic of this
inaugural lecture. But he also attended many superb
concerts played on period instruments, punted on the
Cam and discovered that May Week occurs in June.
Kristian subsequently moved to Mainz, Germany, as
a post-doctoral researcher. There he derived equations
for the behaviours of various types of polyelectrolytes
and polyampholytes – electrically charged polymers. (It
is perhaps also there that his accent became completely
untraceable for most listeners.) During this period an
unexpected encounter in Paris eventually led to the sequence
of events that culminated with his appointment
in the Physics Department at Stellenbosch University.
Kristian spends his time tracing and assembling the
mathematical-physical threads for filaments as they are
found in cells. His theatre is the lecture hall.
He has taught at the African Institute for Mathematical
Sciences. He is currently serving on the council
of the South African Institute of Physics, which also
awarded him the Silver Jubilee Medal in 2003. Every so
often he still uses a smidgeon of Latin.
Description
Keywords
Filaments, Theoretical physics