He focuses on how microstructured, in particular nano-particle, materials can be manipulated for the benefit of society. His research on soft matter is broad and has included accurate measurement of biophysical forces and the self-assembly nano-particles in microgravity. Dr. Swan aims to combine theory and simulation to model the fluid mechanics and out-of-equilibrium statistical physics that are fundamental to complex fluids and other soft matter. His research has industrial sponsors (Shell, Genentech, Saudi Aramco) as well as sponsorship through the federal government (NSF). He earned NSF Career and an ACS PRF Doctoroal New Investigator awards in 2016.