Dmitry Bolmatov

Bio

Molecular Biophysics and Cellular Neuroscience
Scientist and Outreach Volunteer

Prof. Dima Bolmatov is a faculty member in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Texas Tech University and a researcher affiliated with the Shull Wollan Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. His work bridges molecular biophysics and cellular neuroscience, with a focus on the fundamental mechanisms of synaptic plasticity in cell membranes, particularly energy storage and field-induced memory effects.

Dr. Bolmatov's research spans several domains: soft condensed matter physics (non-equilibrium behavior in complex systems), computational neuroscience (emergent collective dynamics), and experimental molecular biophysics (structural and dynamical studies of biomolecular assemblies). He employs a multifaceted strategy that integrates electrophysiological techniques such as droplet interface bilayers (DIBs) at CNMS and SWC, X-ray scattering at national facilities like NSLS-II and APS, neutron scattering at SNS and HFIR, vibrational spectroscopy, and large-scale molecular simulations performed on high-performance computing platforms including Titan, Summit, and Frontier at ORNL.

In addition to his experimental and computational work, Dr. Bolmatov develops analytical models and conducts numerical analyses to uncover the physical principles underlying biological function. Passionate about science communication and community engagement, he is also an active outreach volunteer.

Outside the lab, Dima is known for his curiosity, creativity, and good humor, making him not only a dedicated scientist but also a fun and inspiring collaborator.

Professional Experience

Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas Tech University: Assistant Professor (2025-present).

Shull Wollan Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory: Researcher (2020-present).

Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Tennessee at Knoxville: Research Assistant Professor (2020-2025)

Biology and Soft Matter Division, and Shull Wollan Center, Oak Ridge National
Laboratory: Postdoctoral Research Associate (2017- 2020). Supervisor: Dr. John Katsaras.

Inelastic X-ray Scattering Group, National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory: Postdoctoral Research Associate (2015-2017). Supervisors: Dr. Yong Q. Cai and Dr. Alessandro Cunsolo.

Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University:
Postdoctoral Research Associate (2013-2015). Supervisor: Prof. Benjamin Widom.

Awards

NSF Grant “The Role of Lipids in Modulating the Synaptic Plasticity of Ion Channels”, Role – Principal Investigator (PI), Grant no. 2219289 | National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences (MCB).

Junior Research Fellowship at Cornell University. Mentors: Prof. Neil Ashcroft and
Prof. Roald Hoffmann, 2012: http://www.thomasyoungcentre.org/fund-visits/junior-research-fellowship/

Myerscough Bequest Award, awarded one PhD scholarship in 3 years at Queen Mary University of London, UK, 2010-2013.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (2013)

Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom 

Publications