Theoretical chemist · Soft matter scientist

Understanding soft matter.
Designing what comes next.

I develop theory, simulations and physics-guided machine learning to understand—and ultimately design—complex polymeric and biomolecular materials.

From first principlesto programmable materials
03Research frontiers
10+Research outputs
03Academic institutions
2016–Research journey

About

Portrait of Neha Tyagi

I work where molecules, mathematics and materials meet.

I am a Postdoctoral Scholar in Chemical and Biological Engineering at Northwestern University, working with Prof. Krishna Shrinivas. My current research brings together polymer physics and machine learning to design intrinsically disordered proteins with targeted functions.

Trained in theoretical chemistry, I build mechanistic models that connect microscopic interactions to large-scale material behavior. Across stochastic systems, polymers under flow and protein condensates, one question anchors my work: how can physical insight help us design matter with intent?

2024—Present

Northwestern University

Postdoctoral Scholar · Shrinivas Lab

2021—2024

University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign

Postdoctoral Research Associate · Sing Group

Ph.D. · 2021

Indian Institute of Science

Theoretical Chemistry · Cherayil Group

Research

Predicting and designing
complex soft materials

My research program moves between exact theory, molecular simulations and modern machine learning—choosing the right tool for the physical question.

Research output

Publications & preprints

View Google Scholar ↗

Recognition

2025

Walder Postdoc Bridge Fellowship

Northwestern University

2016

GATE Fellowship

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering

Beyond the lab

Science grows through
community and service.

I care about building thoughtful academic communities—creating spaces where researchers connect, communicate and feel represented.

01
Northwestern University

Postdoctoral Committee

Supporting postdoctoral community-building through social and professional activities, including events that help colleagues connect across research groups.

02
Indian Institute of Science · 2018–2019

Public Representative, Al(l) Chemists’ Club

Contributed to departmental engagement and represented the student community in initiatives designed to strengthen participation and connection.

Let’s connect

Interested in soft matter,
biophysics or collaboration?

I welcome conversations about research, teaching and new scientific directions.

Connect on LinkedIn ↗