Thomas F. Varley, PhD, is a scientist, writer, and visual artist living and working in New England. As a scientist, they specialize in the study of emergent properties of complex systems. As a writer, they are interested in how we make sense of the complex world that we live in. Working in mediums of ceramics and blown glass, as an artist they are interested in pattern, form, and repetition in Nature.

Information theory research

Information theory

When is a whole system greater than the sum of its parts? Studies in multivariate information theory and its application to understanding complex systems. Read more.

Neuroscience research

Neuroscience

Understanding the structure, function, and emergent dynamics of the human brain in health, disease, and altered states of consciousness. Read more.

Xenobots

Work at the intersection of synthetic biology, soft-robotics, and evolutionary computation. Read more.

The Substack Synergies logo

Writing: Synergies

I write essays and (perhaps eventually) fiction at the Synergies Substack newsletter.

You can also see my professional peer-reviwed papers on my Google Scholar.

Read Synergies

Images of ceramic bowls and mugs.

Art: Glass and ceramics

Wheel-thrown ceramics, blown glass, and photography.