Structural properties of soft matter can be tracked down to molecular-level packing of different chemical entities. Molecular organization occurs as a consequence of a compromise of energetic gain with entropy loss. Often times, interplay between long-range and short-range forces at different length scales results in hierarchically ordered structures in a well-defined manner. Exploring the basic rules underpinning materials structural properies is one way to understand how zillions of different molecules can coordinate to perform specific functions. My research interests, in general, include a) persuing a molecular-level understanding of thermodynamics and kinetics of soft materials assembly, b) developing new strategies to program molecular assembly kinetics that could lead to formation of 'new materials' with desired properties, and c) eventually applying the materials into medical systems. My research projects in particular involve block copolymer solution-state phase behavior studies, peptide design and assembly, bionanotechnology for cancer therapies and autoimmune diseases, hybrid nanostructures and material characterization.