Robert Hall Email & Phone Number

The control of cellular redox balance is essential for upholding cardiovascular function and an imbalance of redox signaling is a central tenant contributing to the molecular underpinnings of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, understanding the translational impact of redox balance and signaling in the cardiovascular system (CV) is a focal point in our lab. Our lab has demonstrated that cytochrome b5 reductase 3 (CYB5R3) is a redox regulator by regulating the redox state of several critical substrates in cardiovascular cells, such as soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC). The failure to reduce sGC results in loss of appropriate nitric oxide (NO) signaling, leading to a loss of vasodilation in the vasculature. Despite our extensive knowledge of CYB5R3 redox regulation in the CV system, nothing is known about the other CYB5R family members (CYB5R1, CYB5R2, CYB5R4, CYB5R5) in the CV system. My project aims to interrogate the redox regulatory roles of CYB5R1 in vascular endothelial cells. Techniques: cell culture, molecular cloning, protein purification, immunoblotting, electron paramagnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, APEX biotinylation, co-IP, PCR, immunostaining, electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, myography, animal husbandry.

• Taught first year PhD students fundamental concepts in biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, genetics, pharmacology, and pathology. • Responsible for exam preparation, grading homework assignments, and tutoring.

East Lansing

My work was focused on studying the biochemical structure and function of mitochondrial translator protein (TSPO) in the bacterium Rhodobacter Sphaeroides, with an emphasis on the proteins kinetic properties. TSPO is of much interest due to its involvement in a number of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and various psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression. In Dr. Shelagh Ferguson-Miller's laboratory, I conducted various biochemical assays and spectrometric strategies to study mutant forms of TSPO and how such alterations effect ligand/drug binding (rates of association and dissociation, free energy of binding, etc.) •Strategies and Techniques: Surface Plasmon Resonance, Fluorescence Quenching, Light-Dependent Activity Assays, Protein Purification, SDS-Page, Western Blotting, BCA Assays, Origin, ExcelIn Dr. Alex Dickson's laboratory, I performed molecular dynamics simulations, built on Python programming language, to gain a deeper understanding of the ligand binding and unbinding process to TSPO to help formulate new drugs that target TSPO to treat and better diagnose neurodegenerative disease. •Strategies and Techniques: Python Programming Language, Wepy, HPCC, Weighted-Ensemble Simulations, MDtraj analysis, Visual Molecular Dynamics, OpenMM, Charmm-GUI membrane builder, Matplotlib

Lansing, Mi

I fixed various medical devices used throughout the hospital alongside highly skilled biotechnicians. I have learned how these medical devices are used, why they are used, and the general importance of them in a clinical setting.

Detroit, Mi

• Participated in a 6 person production crew annually• Oversaw 150 volunteers and 500 vendors over the course of two days• Constructed and maintained facilities for over 2000 guests

Michigan State University

Tutored college aged students struggling in both sections of human physiology

East Lansing, Mi

• Assisted with setting up experiments and preparing solutions • Assured that all machines functioned properly

Clarkston, Michigan

I worked with numerous kids on improving their lacrosse skills. I also helped at a variety of camps for kids ranging from seven to eighteen years old.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Molecular Pharmacology

Biochemistry And Molecular Biology, 3.97

Activities and Societies: Member of the Honors College and biochemistry club at Michigan State University.

High School, 4.0