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Decoding Complexity, Engineering the Future.

Center for Complex Particle Systems (COMPASS)

The Center for Complex Particle Systems (COMPASS) pioneers the creation, measurement, and modeling of complex materials, blending molecular, nano, and microscale components to develop resource-conscious, multifunctional, and intelligent materials for a sustainable future. By integrating principles from graph theory, network physics, particle science, and evolutionary examples, COMPASS establishes a system-based approach to understanding and engineering dynamic matter. With a mission to demystify complexity across technological, biological, and environmental systems, the center aims to provide innovative solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges, fostering a global community of practitioners in the field.

MISSION

Our center makes, measures, and models complex materials from molecular, nano, and microscale components combining order and disorder to establish simple chemical pathways to resource-conscious, multifunctional and intelligent materials for a sustainable and healthy future. By bridging the theory of graphs, physics of networks, science of particles, and examples of evolution, we create the foundations of their engineering and develop its broad global practitioners.

VISION

Using materials as a launching pad, we create the foundation of a system-based approach to complex dynamic matter to find solutions for technological, medical and environmental challenges of today and tomorrow.

GOAL

To understand, quantify, and demystify complexity of the technological, biological, and environmental systems comprised from heterogeneous and polydisperse components with collective interactions affecting physical, chemical, and biological properties.

Research Focus Areas

Graph Theoretical Description of Colloids as Complex Systems

Graph-Based Functionality Metrics for Colloidal Particle Systems

Pathways to Complex Particle Systems

Implementation of Complex Particle Systems

Our Leadership

Nicholas A. Kotov

Director

Martin Thuo

Deputy Director

Elena della Valle

Managing Director

Our Team

COMPASS News

Alain Kadar’s Experience at AASTU as a CERA Fellow

COMPASS PhD student Alain Kadar, who conducts research in Prof. Kotov and Prof. Glotzer's Lab, recently had the opportunity to travel to Ethiopia as a CERA Fellow. His time at AASTU (Addis Ababa Science and Technology University) was filled with impactful experiences,...

Michael Veksler visiting Senegal for collaboration and exchange!

Michael Veksler, a PhD student in Kotovlab, visited Senegal for collaboration and exchange! Michael mentioned: "Conducting research in Senegal has provided me with a new perspective on the innovative approaches required in a resource-constrained environment. I am...

Prof. Ying Diao Receives Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE)

We are thrilled to announce and celebrate a remarkable achievement by COMPASS member Prof. Ying Diao, who has been honored with the prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). This award represents the highest recognition...