Large biological systems such as molecular motors and viruses are of great importance to the processes of life, and now also to biologically inspired engineering. However, the complex interactions between these systems and their aquatic environment pose enormous challenges for theoretical understanding and design, particularly in offering accurate predictions of experimental data. This minisymposium will address how advances in geometric modeling and computation are advancing our understanding of these interactions. Topics include multiscale continuum models, new bio-medical imaging methods, and the interplay between chemical and mathematical approximations. Speakers will address mathematical theories and methods, as well as simulation and software.