David Space Email & Phone Number

Greensboro--Winston-Salem--High Point Area

I wrote one research paper based on my research on constructing two models of the orexin-1 receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor. One model is in the inactive state and the other is in the active state. The antagonist SB-674042 was docked in the inactive state model and the endogenous agonist orexin-A was docked in the active state model.I wrote a second paper on making CHARMM parameters for the ligands SB-674042 and orexin-A. These parameters were necessary for placing the models in a simulated lipid bilayer and running Molecular Dynamics simulations on them.I wrote a third paper on those Molecular Dynamics simulations of the active and inactive orexin-1 receptor models with ligands bound in a lipid bilayer.Publication is pending on all three papers.

Greensboro--Winston-Salem--High Point Area

Greensboro, North Carolina, United States

Greensboro/Winston-Salem, North Carolina Area

I constructed active and inactive computational homology models of the orexin-1 receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor. I docked SB-674042 within the inactive state model and orexin-A within the active state model, placed the models in a simulated lipid bilayer, and ran a Molecular Dynamics simulation to determine how the receptor models behaved. I wrote, and had published, a dissertation based on that research. I also created two customized tutorials to teach Medicinal Biochemistry students standardized research procedures. One tutorial is for G protein-coupled receptor model construction that clearly lists the steps and techniques from start to finish, along with pre-expanded templates and color-coding instructions. The other tutorial is for ligand parameterization that clearly outlines the progression from determining atom charges and Lennard-Jones parameters, to perfecting bond lengths and bond angles individually, to perfecting dihedrals individually, until the parameters are complete. Both of these tutorials can save time by outlining exact instructions on how to do these tasks. They also save money by allowing these tasks to be done with spreadsheets and simple command-line scripts, and without using expensive programs.

Greensboro/Winston-Salem, North Carolina Area

I graded ~200-360 examinations and homework assignments per professor per semester for multiple chemistry classes, ranging from organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and general chemistry. My assignment grading was fair, consistent, and quick, and I collaborated with other graders when necessary. Key Accomplishments:• I designed production-line grading method for non-Scantron exams.• I was regarded among the top graders.• I was recognized by UNCG Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry as such.

Greensboro/Winston-Salem, North Carolina Area

I was hired as a teaching assistant with an added role as research assistant, the latter of which I used to pursue and complete my Ph. D. in medicinal biochemistry. In that same computer lab, I helped mentor several other such computational chemistry researchers pursuing similar degrees in G protein-coupled receptor model construction and ligand parameterization. In doing so, I processed multiple tutorials into two unified tutorials for model construction and ligand parameterization. I also designed ways to incorporate raw data into graphs using Excel and its open source counterpart, while providing recommendations regarding acceleration of ligand parameterization which were adopted by core faculty. Furthermore, I contributed to major research studies, including new parameters of SR-141716A, while acquiring significant knowledge of chemical terminology and conditions.