Brian Ferrer Email & Phone Number

California, United States

Redwood City, Ca, Us

Utilized high throughput screening and directed evolution to engineer novel enzymes as potential therapeutics. Specifically, I used biochemical assays to characterize enzyme variants for improved stability and activity for different disease-specific indications in iterative rounds of directed evolution. I worked collaboratively with cross-functional groups in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and translational biology to further optimize these enzymes at research scale.

Nashville, Tennessee, Us

I used structural and biophysical tools in order to probe the behavior of calmodulin (CaM)-interacting proteins. Specifically, I performed isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) in order to determine the binding affinity of a putative CaM-interacting protein. Subsequently, I used targeted mutagenesis to generate variants with key aromatic residues substituted with for important for binding. To complement these biophysical studies, I attempted to co-crystallize a complex of CaM and this interacting partner. In lieu of a crystal structure, I worked closely with other graduate students and post-doctoral scholars in order to take an integrated approach to generate a model of this CaM-partner complex utilizing data collected from my ITC efforts combined with small angle X-ray scattering and 2D NMR studies conducted by my colleagues. In the end, we were able to generate a working model of a novel interaction of a truncated domain of an pre-mRNA splicing factor with some potential implications in understanding the regulation of Huntington's Disease.

Madison, Wi, Us

I worked full-time as a research technician/laboratory manager in Professor James Keck's lab at UW-Madison (https://kecklab.bmolchem.wisc.edu/). During my time, I conducted some independent research projects and assisted with ongoing project working with graduate students in the lab. My primary research responsibilities included studying genome maintenance processes in E. coli. In particular, I was interested in studying proteins involved in a process known as DNA replication restart. While there are several proteins involved in parallel pathways, I investigated the structural and functional roles of DnaT, a pivotal protein required in almost all restart mechanisms. My projects included utilizing molecular biology techniques including Gibson cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, and optimization of bacterial strains for protein expression; recombinant protein expression in E. coli and protein purification on the AKTA FPLC system; and lastly, structural and biophysical studies using X-ray crystallography, fluorescence polarization, and gel-shift assays. Additionally, my laboratory manager duties included supervising undergraduate student hourlies that helped keep laboratory reagents stocked and lab equipment supplied; purchasing of lab supplies and handling international purchases including MTAs; maintaining laboratory instruments, and updating biological and chemical safety data sheets (SDS).

Madison, Wi, Us

I performed solid-phase peptide synthesis using noncanonical amino acid and small molecule mimetics. I synthesized and purified several of these small molecules in house and utilized them as amino acid analogs. I further characterized these synthetic peptides using crystallography to probe structural interactions. This work culminated in my honors thesis focusing on designing peptides targeting prefusion viral complexes in paramyxoviruses.

Madison, Wi, Us

Department of BiochemistryAssisted in media and reagent preparation for a senior undergraduate laboratory course. Responsibilities included media preparation, PCR reagent preparation and protocol validation for students, E. coli cell culture preparation, and general lab management duties.

Rahway, New Jersey, Us

Intern in Discovery Chemistry - Modalities Group. Synthesis of novel therapeutic candidates using solid phase peptide synthesis and chemical conjugation to biologically relevant substrates.

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry (Honors)

Master Of Science - Ms, Chemical Biology

Leadership Certificate (Minor)