Design and perform enzyme biochemistry experiements in multi-lab research project.Accomplishments: • Developed high-throughput enzyme assays and corresponding suite of automated data processing, visualization and analysis programs • Applying machine learning tools to extract key enzyme features using data from multiple groups encompassing genetic, biochemical, and biological datasets • Assisting lab members in using computational tools to perform data and protein… Show more Design and perform enzyme biochemistry experiements in multi-lab research project.Accomplishments: • Developed high-throughput enzyme assays and corresponding suite of automated data processing, visualization and analysis programs • Applying machine learning tools to extract key enzyme features using data from multiple groups encompassing genetic, biochemical, and biological datasets • Assisting lab members in using computational tools to perform data and protein sequence analysis • Used Profile-Hidden Markov Model and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis on sequence library to predict functional profile • Created and managing enzyme inventory database Show less

Characterized principles of RNA tertiary folding using a model bimolecular system, employing computational analysis of calorimetric and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data.Accomplishments: • Developed a novel set of computational programs to extract kinetic data from titration calorimetry data • Characterized a four-step RNA unfolding process using a custom global analysis program to merge data from spectroscopic and both scanning and titration calorimetry

Thesis: “The Thermodynamics of DNA Binding and Wrapping by the E. coli DNA-Remodeling Protein Integration Host Factor” Accomplishments: • Developed programs to perform custom analyses of titration and scanning calorimetry, circular dichroism, fluorescence anisotropy, and resonance energy transfer datasets • Advanced the understanding of coulombic forces by linking thermodynamic data with programmatic analysis of interactions and distances between charged functional… Show more Thesis: “The Thermodynamics of DNA Binding and Wrapping by the E. coli DNA-Remodeling Protein Integration Host Factor” Accomplishments: • Developed programs to perform custom analyses of titration and scanning calorimetry, circular dichroism, fluorescence anisotropy, and resonance energy transfer datasets • Advanced the understanding of coulombic forces by linking thermodynamic data with programmatic analysis of interactions and distances between charged functional groups in protein-DNA interfaces using published crystal structures Show less

Approach: Investigation of the higher plant lipid membrane enzyme complex Photosystem II via chemical modification and steady-state activity assays. Conclusions: • Membrane-extrinsic proteins serve as a physical barrier to exogenous reductants and a scaffolding for higher order conformational changes within the complex.