Erin Craig Ricketson

Dr. Craig teaches across the Physics curriculum, including Thermodynamics, Modern Physics, Molecular Biophysics, and Introductory Physics for Life Sciences. These classes are designed to be interactive, challenging, and fun, often emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to solving scientific problems with modern relevance.

Academic Achievements

B.S. in Physics, Washington State University

Ph.D. in Physics, University of Oregon

Research Highlights

Dr. Craig leads a team of CWU students who conduct computational biophysics research. Biophysics is a field of research that uses the tools and approaches of physics to investigate living systems. Our lab is especially interested in the neuron, also known as a nerve cell, which is the functional unit of the nervous system. Neurons are electrically excitable cells that conduct bioelectric signals throughout the brain and body. We use computer simulations to investigate the physical mechanisms that allow neurons to function correctly, and to understand the mechanisms involved when neuronal function goes awry (for example, in neurodegenerative disease or injury). While our lab uses computer simulations as our primary tool, we collaborate closely with experimental scientists at CWU and other institutions to combine theoretical modeling with experimental investigations.

CWU students: You are invited to get involved in research! To learn more about research opportunities in the Computational Biophysics laboratory, please explore our website and contact Dr. Craig if you would like to discuss enrolling in PHYS 495: Undergraduate Research.

CWU Computational Biophysics Laboratory Website

Professional Experience

Physics Department Chair, Central Washington University, 2022 – present

Professor, Central Washington University, 2024 – present

Associate Professor, Central Washington University, 2019 – 2024

Assistant Professor, Central Washington University, 2014 – 2019

Postdoctoral Research Scientist, University of California Davis, 2009 – 2014

Instructor, Lane Community College, 2008-2009

Professional Memberships

• Northwest Medical Physics Center Board of Directors, Member
• Biophysical Society, Member
• CWU Biophysics Club, Faculty Mentor
• American Association of Physics Teachers, WA Chapter, Member
• Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics, Northwest Regional Consortium, Member

Publications

Articles in refereed journals (* indicates undergraduate co-authors)

• B. D. Eckel, R. Cruz Jr.*, E. M. Craig, P. W. Baas, “Microtubule polarity flaws as a treatable driver of neurodegeneration”, Brain Research Bulletin 192:208-215 (2023).
• E. M. Craig, S. M. Galbreath*, T. Sorey, and D. Ricketson, "That’s How the Kangaroo Bounces: A biological case study to teach energy concepts", Journal of College Science Teaching 52(1):14-21 (2022).
• E. M. Craig, "Model for Coordination of Microtubule and Actin Dynamics in Growth Cone Turning", Front. Cell. Neurosci. 12:394. (2018). doi:10.3389/fncel.2018.00394
• E. M. Craig, H. T. Yeung*, A. N. Rao, P.W. Baas, "Polarity sorting of axonal microtubules: a computational study", Molecular Biology of the Cell 28(23):3271-3285 (2017).
• A. N. Rao, A. Patil, M. M. Black, E. M. Craig, K. A. Meyers, H. T. Yeung*, P. W. Baas, "Cytoplasmic Dynein Transports Axonal Microtubules in a Polarity-Sorting Manner", Cell Reports 19: 2210–2219 (2017).
• E. M. Craig, J. Stricker, M. Gardel, and A. Mogilner, “Model for adhesion clutch explains biphasic relationship between actin flow and traction at the cell leading edge”, Physical Biology 12: 035002 (2015).
• E. M. Craig, D. Van Goor, P. Forscher, and A. Mogilner, “Membrane tension, myosin force, and actin turnover maintain actin treadmill in the nerve growth cone”, Biophys. J. 102, 1503-1513 (2012).
• S. J. Lade, E. M. Craig, and H. Linke, “Effectiveness of beads for tracking small-scale molecular motor dynamics”, Phys. Rev. E 84, 021907 (2011).
• E. M. Craig, S. Dey, and A. Mogilner, “Emergence of sarcomeric, graded-polarity and spindle-like patterns in bundles of short cytoskeletal polymers and two opposite molecular motors”, J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 23, 374102 (2011).
• A. Mogilner and E. M. Craig, “Toward quantitative understanding of mitotic spindle assembly and mechanics”, J. Cell Science 123, 3435 – 3445 (2010).
• E. M. Craig and H. Linke, “Mechanochemical model for myosin V”, PNAS 106, 18261 (2009).
• B. J. Lopez, N. J. Kuwada, E. M. Craig, B. R. Long, and H. Linke, “Realization of a feedback controlled flashing ratchet”, Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 220601 (2008).
• E. M. Craig, N. Kuwada, B. Lopez, and H. Linke, “Feedback control in flashing ratchets”, Ann. Phys. (Berlin) 17, 115-129 (2008). Special Issue: Commemorating Max Planck.
• E. M. Craig, B. R. Long, J. M. R. Parrondo, and H. Linke, “Effect of time delay on feedback control of a flashing ratchet”, Europhys. Lett. 81, 10002 (2008).
• E. M. Craig, M. J. Zuckermann, and H. Linke, “Mechanical coupling in flashing ratchets”, Phys. Rev. E 73 (5): 051106 (2006).
• M. T. Downton, M. J. Zuckermann, E. M. Craig, M. Plischke, and H. Linke, “Single-polymer Brownian motor: A simulation study”, Phys. Rev. E 73 (1): 011909 (2006).