Email
swalcott@wpi.edu
Office
464 Unity Hall
Education
BA Cornell University 2001
PhD Cornell University 2006

I use physical principles at the molecular scale to solve macroscopic problems in biology, e.g. How do a molecule's mechanical properties influence the behavior of a cell?  How do single molecule measurements relate to muscle function?  To answer such questions, I use a combination of computer simulations and mathematical analysis.  This theoretical work is complemented by experiments performed by my collaborators.  In my teaching, I enjoy emphasizing connections between math and other disciplines.

Scholarly Work

Walcott, S. and D. M. Warshaw, Modeling myosin Va liposome transport through actin filament networks reveals a percolation threshold that modulates transport properties. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 33(2): ar18.
Jarvis, K. J., K. M. Bell, A. K. Loya, D. M. Swank and S. Walcott, Force-velocity and tension transient measurements from Drosophila jump muscle reveal the necessity of both weakly-bound cross-bridges and series elasticity in models of muscle contraction. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics. 701: 108809.
Newhard, C. S., S. Walcott, and D. M. Swank, The load-dependence of muscle's force-velocity curve is modulated by alternative myosin converter domains. American Journal of Physiology (Cell Physiology). 316(6): C844-C861.
Lombardo, A.T., S. R. Nelson, G. G. Kennedy, K. M. Trybus, S. Walcott, and D. M. Warshaw, Myosin Va transport of liposomes in three-dimensional actin networks is modulated by actin filament density, position, and polarity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 116(17): 8326-8335.
Jarvis, K., M. A. Woodward, E. P. Debold and S. Walcott, Acidosis affects muscle contraction by slowing the rates myosin attaches to and detaches from actin. Journal of Muscle Research and Cell Motililty. 39(3): 135-147.
Worcester Business Journal
WPI professor awarded $1.4M for muscle research

The Worcester Business Journal reports on WPI Mathematical Sciences Professor Sam Walcott’s research to develop a mathematical model for muscle movement that could lead to improved medical treatments and the creation of better prosthetic devices.