Kamien has found that many problems in soft condensed matter theory can be formulated very naturally as geometry or topology problems. “We look at problems where often the solution is about drawing a picture or building a tinker toy model of what we’re trying to understand,” explains Kamien. “And then we have to understand why the tinker toy model is the right answer." Kamien is especially fond of working with liquid crystals: the kind used in many types of consumer electronics displays.
To read more on Kamien's coverage, visit: https://www.simonsfoundation.org/mathematics-and-physical-science/awardee-spotlight/randall-kamien/