Abhinaw Kumar
PhD, Computational Chemistry - University of Utah
I am a researcher at the intersection of machine learning and molecular simulation, developing probabilistic methods that connect coarse-grained models to atomistic physics.
Current Position
I am currently a researcher at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, working in the Monroe Molecular Simulation Group led by Prof. Jacob Monroe. My work focuses on probabilistic coarse-grained → atomistic backmapping using generative models with rigorous reweighting to recover correct thermodynamic ensembles.
Research Trajectory
Previously, I was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Texas A&M University in the Mittal Group, studying protein–DNA interactions and chromatin compaction. Before that, in the Thirumalai Group at UT Austin, I worked on optimized force fields for intrinsically disordered proteins such as FUS, with implications for neurodegenerative disease.
Foundations
My doctoral research with Prof. Valeria Molinero at the University of Utah focused on nanoparticle self-assembly, nucleation, and polymorph selection of porous materials, providing a strong foundation in statistical mechanics and materials modeling.
Global Perspective
Earlier training at IISER Pune and research experiences in Germany (University of Saarbrücken) and the UK (University of Surrey) shaped my interdisciplinary and global approach to computational science.