Our lab develops new technologies to interrogate signaling cascades in cells to understand how the actions of specific proteins, RNA, molecules, and ions contribute to cellular function. We combine in vitro spectroscopic and biophysical techniques with protein and RNA engineering to develop novel fluorescent probes, and use long-term time-lapse fluorescence microscopy to elucidate the mechanisms of cellular signaling pathways. We are particularly interested in understanding the difference between healthy and diseased cells. Longitudinal single-cell analyses also allow us to explore the origins and consequences of heterogeneity in biological systems. We are specifically interested in how cells regulate metal ions, how we can develop tools to study carbon metabolism, and how we can build tools out of RNA and to study RNA function in cells.
keywords
live cell imaging, development of fluorescent sensors, development of imaging technology, imaging of cellular signaling, zinc, metals in biology, RNA, biosensors, zinc biology, metabolism, breast cancer
BCHM 1020 - A Path to Success: Introduction to the Biochemistry Major
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021
This course will help students navigate their first year of college and develop the skills needed for academic success as Biochemistry majors. Students will improve academic strategies (i.e. time management, problem-solving and study skills), identify available campus resources, learn how to get involved in clubs and gain research experience, and explore career opportunities as a biochemistry graduate. This is a first-year elective course specifically designed for first year and other students exploring their educational and career opportunities. Recommended restriction: New BCHM majors.
BCHM 4400 - Core Concepts in Physical Chemistry for Biochemists
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Spring 2023
Introduces thermodynamics, kinetics and spectroscopy, emphasizing macromolecule and biochemical applications. Includes thermodynamics, chemical and physical equilibriums, solution chemistry, rates of chemical and biochemical reactions, chemical bonds and principles and selected examples of spectroscopies applied to biological systems. Recommended prerequisite or corequisite: PHYS 1120 or PHYS 2020. Formerly CHEM 4411. Degree credit not granted for this course and CHEM 4511. Same as BCHM 5400.
BCHM 4761 - Biochemistry Laboratory
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021
Two 4-hour periods per week. Introduction to modern biochemical techniques. Topics include enzymology, spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, multi-step protein purification, recombinant DNA techniques and molecular cloning. Formerly CHEM 4761.
BCHM 6901 - Research in Biochemistry
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2025 / Spring 2026
May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
BCHM 6951 - Master's Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024 / Summer 2024
Students are not admitted for the master's degree but may be transferred to the MS plan if they are unable to meet the demands of the PhD program.
CHEM 1400 - Foundations of Chemistry
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Covers core concepts in chemistry: nature of matter (atomic and molecular structure, bonding and macroscopic properties), transformations of matter (chemical reactivity), and quantifying chemical transformations (thermochemistry, thermodynamics and kinetics). Emphasizes critical thinking and cultivate core problem solving skills utilized by scientists. Intended for first semester CHEM/BCHM majors. Department enforced prerequisites: one year high school chemistry or CHEM 1021 (minimum grad C-) and high school math through pre-calculus. Not recommended for students with grades below B- in CHEM 1021. Department enforced corequisite: CHEM 1401. Degree credit not granted for this course and CHEM 1113 and MCEN 1024 and CHEN 1211 and CHEN 1201.
HONR 2220 - Interdisciplinary Research Odyssey Seminar
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2026
This course provides an introduction to research for curious students. The course will explore the questions: What is research? What does it look like in STEM versus social sciences versus humanities and the arts? Students will gain experience identifying problems and framing research questions in different disciplines. They will learn how to conduct literature reviews, evaluate sources of information, and how to communicate to different audiences. Students will also learn about research resources on campus.
MCDB 6000 - Introduction to Laboratory Methods
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2024 / Spring 2025 / Fall 2025
Introduces methodology and techniques used in biological research. Designed as a tutorial between a few students and one faculty member. Students are expected to read original research papers, discuss findings, and to plan and execute experiments in selected areas. May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
