Our lab develops experimental and theoretical tools to understand, model, and control the dynamics of microscopic systems operating out of equilibrium. Our work is grounded in applied physics and focuses on active matter as a paradigmatic class of non-equilibrium systems. We integrate instrument development, quantitative experiments, and minimal modelling to uncover physical principles governing collective behaviour, transport, and flow at the microscale. Living microorganisms are used as responsive, self-propelled units whose interactions with external fields, once understood, offer a versatile platform for studying and controlling non-equilibrium dynamics. This approach enables programmable microscale transport, flow manipulation, and bio-inspired actuation, with relevance to advanced experimental technologies and microrobotics.