Josh Vermaas

Josh Vermaas is an assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Michigan State University, where he is part of the university's Plant Research Laboratory. The Vermaas lab uses atomic simulation tools to create accurate molecular-scale models for biological phenomena at the nanoscale. In this form of computational microscopy, Newton’s equations of motion track atomic positions for a system over time. The dynamic simulations provide a unique perspective to better understand the connection between form and function for nanostructures found throughout biology. The insights from these simulations can be applied to engineering plants or microbes to facilitate efficient energy conversion and bioproduct production to meet sustainability challenges.