Joseph Lannan
I am a biophysicist and PhD candidate at North Carolina State University in the Elting Lab, investigating the ultrafast contraction mechanism of Spirostomum ambiguum - a giant single-celled organism capable of contracting in under 5 milliseconds. It is known as “the fastest cell.”
Research Focus
My research has revealed that Spirostomum’s remarkable contraction is powered by unique calcium-activated filaments called myonemes. Through advanced imaging and computational modeling, I’ve discovered how these specialized structures enable the fastest cellular contraction known in biology.
I am interested in technical development for novel methods and image analysis. I am egar to learn new techniques and teach the ones I have mastered to others.
Key Research Areas:
- Cellular biomechanics and cytoskeletal dynamics
- Advanced microscopy techniques (SEM, TEM, confocal)
- Computational modeling of biological systems
- Single-cell biophysics
Leadership & Innovation
I have mentored multiple students in the lab and academically, through being a TA, providing tutoring services, being an external mentor for senior capstone projects, and being a lab equipment superuser.
Beyond research, I founded and lead Koinslot INC, developing educational gaming systems, and served as Technical Director at Sonar Applications INC for audio social media development.
Education
PhD in Physics, Minor in Biotech (in progress) - North Carolina State University
MS in Physics (2022) - North Carolina State University - View Diploma
BS in Physics, Minor in Mathematics (2018) - North Carolina State University, Magna Cum Laude - View Diploma
View Complete Academic Transcript
Technical Skills
Programming: Python, Rust, C/C++, Bash
Microscopy: SEM, TEM, AFM, confocal, birefringence, FLIM, immuno-labeling techniques
Laboratory Techniques: Cell culture (protists, yeast, bacteria, mammalian), microinjection, high pressure freezing, ultramicrotomy, sample preparation and fixation, microbiology, biochemistry analysis
Software: Microsoft Office, ImageJ, Imaris, Illastik, KiCad, Autodesk Fusion 360, Adobe Suite, Linux, Molecular mechanics software (Chimera, GROMACS, PyMOLE, AMBER)
Fabrication: 3D printing (FDM, SLA), electronics design, PCB creation, soldering, machining, metal & wood working
Recent Publication
Fishnet mesh of centrin-Sfi1 drives ultrafast calcium-activated contraction of the giant cell Spirostomum ambiguum
Joseph Lannan, Carlos Floyd, L. X. Xu, Connie Yan, Wallace F. Marshall, Surirayanarayanan Vaikuntanathan, Aaron R. Dinner, Jerry E. Honts, Saad Bhamla, and Mary Williard Elting
bioRxiv (2025) | DOI: 10.1101/2024.11.07.622534