Ensure daily function of departmental Mass Spectrometers (Orbitrap XL, Bruker Amazon SL, Advion ExpressIon CMS, Thermo TSQ Quantum Access Max, Agilent 7890/5975 GCMS)Provide training to undergraduate and graduate students on all mass spectrometry instrumentation. Interface with research groups and provide expertise with sample preparation, data acquisition, processing, and analysis.Proactively consult with faculty and student researchers in sample preparation, data acquisition and so forth, including training, attending lab meetings, presenting, troubleshooting methods, and data analysisProvide required troubleshooting and routine maintenance on all mass spectrometers to ensure accuracy and precision of collected data. This includes calibrations, cleaning, pump servicing, and managing service contracts.Consult with regards to coursework for the department involving mass spectrometry, contributing to 5 different courses, including Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis, Advanced Spectroscopy, and BiochemistryTeach Biochemistry Laboratory Course to upper-level undergraduates focused on standard experimental approaches in biochemistry (300 hundred level course)Directly mentor undergraduate students in summer research (Wake Forest URECA Program, in collaboration with medical school)Recommend new equipment and software for mass spectrometric analysis. Instrumental in acquiring nano LC system and triple quad mass spectrometer and updated data systems for GCMS and proteomic analysis.Perform mass spectrometry service work for non-University users, both as external collaborations and paid services, which generated additional funds for department/instrument useProficient in several data analysis software including Proteome Discoverer, Skyline, Peaks, MaxQuant, Excel

Identified several binding partners to cardiac specific methyltransferase Smyd1 in skeletal muscle cells and cardio myocytes (primary cell line) using skills in immunoprecipitation and LC-Mass Spectrometry. Identified novel link between Smyd1 and metabolism. (Ongoing project)Identified differences in protein phosphorylation in positive and negative responders to LVAD implant using TiO2 bead enrichment followed by LC-MS/MS analysis. (Ongoing project)Transgenically overexpressed Smyd1 in mouse heart to investigate morphological and physiological effects of overexpression in a heart disease model. Employed qRT-PCR, western blotting, histology, and echo-cardiography to determine physiological and molecular changes in heart. Played critical role in developing and characterizing this mouse in the lab. (Ongoing project)Analyzed samples by LC-MS/MS using EZ nLC 1000 system and Orbitrap Velos Pro employing label free quantification and post translational modification analysis to assess samples. Maintained and calibrated EZ nLC 1000 sytem and Orbitrap Velos Pro. Familiar with a variety of other Mass Spectrometry techniques.Trained and led technical staff, graduate students and undergraduates in designing and performing experiments, analyzing data, and presenting results.

Discovered apoptotic protein PDCD5 forms a complex with the cytosolic chaperonin CCT and demonstrated that PDCD5 functions as a modulator of CCT to regulate β-tubulin folding, suggesting PDCD5 may exert its pro-apoptotic function by blocking β-tubulin folding. Employed pulse/chase assays, FACS, confocal microscopy, cell culture, tandem affinity purification, immunoprecipitation, and standard molecular biology techniques.Characterized PhLP conditional KO mouse in cone photoreceptors and demonstrated decreased levels of G proteins as consequence of the KO, further substantiating the role of PhLP in G protein signaling as a co-chaperone of the β subunit. Employed electroretinography, QPCR, confocal microscopy, and FACSManaged cell culture work for project testing Ultrasonic Gene and Drug Delivery using eLiposomes, training several research assistants in best practices for culturing, passaging, and transfecting mammalian cells.Investigated co-translational assembly of G-protein βγ subunits to elucidate the mechanism of G-protein βγ assembly using immunoprecipitation, ribosome profiling, and standard molecular biology techniques.Assayed small molecule inhibitors of G-protein βγ assembly as potential therapeutics for disease associated with excessive G protein signaling, employing tandem affinity purification, fluorescent and biotin labeling, flow cytometry, in silico screening, and standard cell culture and molecular biology techniques.Trained and coached undergraduate students in designing and performing experiments, analyzing data, and presenting results