Dr. Jairo Diaz specializes in the experimental study of soft matter (e.g., liquids, gels, etc.). As a postdoctoral research associate at the Center for Soft Matter Research (CSMR) in New York University (NYU), Dr. Diaz focused on the fabrication and self-assembly of DNA-coated colloids working with Prof. Pine. Together with NYU Prof. Grier and Prof. Hoyos from the ESPCI-CNRS in France, Dr. Diaz also investigated the hydrodynamic phenomena involved during the acoustic levitation of emulsion droplets. Dr. Diaz further extended his training in soft matter to biological systems working with Prof. Elbaum-Garfinkle at the Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) Structural Biology Initiative at The City University of New York (CUNY). Dr. Diaz received his B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the National University of Colombia, Bogota, and his Ph.D. in Materials Science from Purdue University. His doctoral research was primarily focused on controlling the self-assembly of chiral cellulose nanocrystals. His work has enabled new avenues for the exploration of soft materials, deserving recognition from Purdue University, the Materials Research Society, and the Simons Foundation.