R&D in the Molecular Diagnostic Group focusing on lyophilizable PCR/qPCR products and assay development.

R&D in the Molecular Diagnostic Group focusing on lyophilizable PCR/qPCR products.

Teaching courses with a lab in Biochemistry and Microbiology. Teaching laboratory courses for Cellular and Molecular Biology and General Chemistry 1 and 2.

• Determined the structure-function relationship of transmembrane domain V of the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter, ASBT;• Examined ASBT-like bacterial protein expression and characterization;• Instructed graduate and undergraduate students in research studies and techniques commonly employed in the lab.

• Examined the mechanism of formation of the post-translationally derived quinone cofactor, topaquinone (TPQ), in copper amine oxidase from Arthrobacter globiformis;• Identified a potential common intermediate in the mechanisms of formation of TPQ in copper amine oxidase and of lysine tyrosyl quinone (LTQ) in lysyl oxidase;• Compared native and mutated protein activity and inhibition assays, elucidating the position of the reactive quinone and the presence of copper in the active site;• Conducted pH titration and single turnover kinetic experiments, discovering the ideal protonation states of amino acid residues within the active site of the protein for TPQ formation;• Contributed to initial (and continued) planning, organizing and building of a functional research laboratory, including ordering supplies, supervising instrument installation, establishing protocols, and designing lab layout to maximize work efficiency;• Supervised several undergraduates/technicians in research studies, including mutagenesis, protein expression and purification, assays, and data analysis;• Volunteered in community outreach, University of Kansas’s Middle School Science Academy, designed to provide middle school science teachers hands-on research experience to enhance their students’ early interest in the sciences.

• CHEM 625: Organic Chemistry I Laboratory; CHEM 627: Organic Chemistry Laboratory II; • Instructed students and demonstrated laboratory methods in organic chemistry laboratory sections;• Mentored students during office hours;• Graded lab reports, quizzes, homework problems, and exams.

• Conducted weekly meetings with all organic chemistry teaching assistants;• Coordinated with the lecture professor to organize and administer curricular proceedings and to liaise for lecture professor, laboratory preparation staff, and teaching assistants;• Authored, proctored, and graded exams and quizzes;• Monitored grading for consistency among laboratory instructors.

Principal Investigator—Dr. John Tomich• Performed structural studies of novel pH dependent adhesive peptides;• Synthesized and used HPLC to purify peptides;• Determined peptide secondary structure using FTIR and CD spectroscopy.

• CHM 111: General Chemistry Laboratory; CHM 532: Organic Chemistry Laboratory;• Instructed students and demonstrated laboratory methods in organic chemistry laboratory sections;• Discussed problem areas with students during office hours;• Prepared, proctored, and graded exams, quizzes, and homework problems;• Volunteered with community outreach promoting chemistry education in K-12 students, including participating in Boy- and Girl Scouts Chemistry Days, creating and performing chemistry magic shows, and sharing information about chemistry as a career.