George Thurston Headshot

George Thurston

Professor

School of Physics and Astronomy
College of Science
Director of Physics MS Program
Program Faculty, School of Mathematics and Statistics
gmtsps@rit.edu
585-475-4549
Office Location
GOS-3302

George Thurston

Professor

School of Physics and Astronomy
College of Science
Director of Physics MS Program
Program Faculty, School of Mathematics and Statistics

Education

AB, Oberlin College; Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bio

My research work is primarily in biological physics.  In our lab we conduct experimental and theoretical studies of phase transitions, solution phase properties and critical phenomena in a variety of complex fluids. I am particularly interested in the physical and chemical aspects of protein condensation diseases, including cataract and sickle cell disease. 

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gmtsps@rit.edu
585-475-4549
Areas of Expertise
Biological Physics
Static and Quasielastic Light Scattering
Neutron Scattering
X-ray Scattering
Micelles and Microemulsions
Protein Solution Statistical Thermodynamics

Select Scholarship

Journal Paper
Vodnala, Preeti, et al. "Hard-Sphere-Like Dynamics in Highly Concentrated Alpha-Crystallin Suspensions." Physical Review E 97. (2018): 020601-1 - 020601-5. Print.
Thurston, George M. and Michael Kotlarchyk. "Basis for Calculating Cross Sections for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spin-Modulated Polarized Neutron Scattering." Journal of Chemical Physics 145. (2016): 1-10. Web.
Thurston, George M., Joel D. Shore, and George M. Thurston. "Charge-regulation phase transition on surface lattices of titratable sites adjacent to electrolytesolutions: An analog of the Ising antiferromagnet in a magnetic field." Physical Review E 92. (2015): 062123-1--062123-15. Print.
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Invited Keynote/Presentation
Thurston, George M. "Steps Towards Modeling Concentration-Dependent Effects of Charge Regulation on Protein Solution Thermodynamics and Liquid-liquid Phase Separation." KAW Midterm Meeting. Physical Chemistry/Lund University. Lund, Sweden. 16 May 2018. Conference Presentation.
Thurston, George M., et al. "Model for Concentration-Dependent Effects of Charge Regulation on Protein Solution Thermodynamics and Liquid-liquid Phase Separation." American Physical Society March Meeting. American Physical Society. Los Angeles, CA. 7 Mar. 2018. Conference Presentation.
Thurston, George M. "Liquid-liquid Phase Separation in Concentrated Protein Mixtures, with Application to Cataract." Seminar at Union College, Schenectady, New York. Physics Department, Union College. Schenectady, NY. 1 Nov. 2018. Guest Lecture.
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Published Article
Hollenbeck, Dawn, M. K. Martini, A. Langner, A. Harkin, D. Ross,and G. Thurston. “Model for evaluatingpatterned charge-regulation contributionsto electrostatic interactions betweenlow-dielectric spheres.” Physical Review E, 82.3 (2010): n.p. Web. "  É  *
Banerjee, Priya R, A. Pande, J. Patrosz, G. M. Thurston and J. Pande. “Cataract-associated mutant E107A of human _D-crystallin shows increased attraction to _-crystallin and enhanced light scattering”. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2010. n.p. Web. É  *

Currently Teaching

PHYS-295
Physics Research
1 - 3 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research involving laboratory work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in their first three years of study.
PHYS-602
Graduate Physics Seminar II
1 Credits
This course is the second in a two-semester sequence intended to familiarize students with research activities, practices, ethics in university, government, industry, and other professional research environments and to introduce students to research tools and skill sets important in various professional environments. The course is intended to help students develop a broad awareness of current professional and funding opportunities. As part of the course, students are expected to attend research seminars sponsored by the School of Physics and Astronomy, to participate in regular journal club offerings, to engage in outreach activities, and to participate in visits to regional laboratories and companies. The course provides training in proposal writing and presentation skills. Credits earned in this course apply to research requirements.
PHYS-614
Quantum Theory
3 Credits
This course is a graduate level introduction to the modern formulation of quantum mechanics. Topics include Hilbert space, Dirac notation, quantum dynamics, Feynman’s formulation, representation theory, angular momentum, identical particles, approximation methods including time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory. The course will emphasize the underlying algebraic structure of the theory with an emphasis on current applications.
PHYS-752
Biological Physics
3 Credits
This graduate-level course in biological physics provides an introductory survey of biological physics, followed by the topics of (i) forces between atoms, molecules, particles, and surfaces important for living systems; (ii) equilibrium statistical physics solution models relevant for biological systems; (iii) self-assembling systems in living cells and organisms; (iv) elasticity and viscoelasticity in cells and organisms; and (v) examples of active matter.
PHYS-790
Graduate Research & Thesis
1 - 4 Credits
Graduate-level research by the candidate on an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor.
PHYS-791
Continuation of Thesis
0 Credits
Graduate-level research by the candidate on an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor.
PHYS-890
Research & Thesis
0 Credits
Dissertation research by the candidate for an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor.

In the News

  • April 15, 2024

    Aiden Miller is shown posing in front of their research which is hanging on a building window.

    Biochemistry student receives Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

    RIT third-year biochemistry student Aidan Miller has been awarded a Barry Goldwater Scholarship, the most prestigious undergraduate research scholarship in the United States, given to students pursuing a career in the natural sciences, mathematics, or engineering.

  • August 27, 2018

    The Inclusive Excellence researchers pose for a photo together in front of their research posters.

    Inclusive Excellence cultivates diversity

    The first Inclusive Excellence research fellowship was held this summer and paired seven undergraduate students in the College of Science with research mentors. The initiative is working to create a deeper understanding of diversity in the College of Science and at RIT.

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