Thao Tran Email & Phone Number

Durham, Nc, Us

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area

Baltimore, Maryland Area

• Investigate the molecular basis of MST2 kinase in Hippo signaling pathway, one of the key pathways that control organ size and cell death. • Design/engineer and modify over 200 vectors for protein expressions in mammalian and bacterial cells• Trouble-shoot and optimize various cell-based assays for drug treatments and enzymatic activity in mammalian cells• Isolate recombinant protein complexes followed by appropriate validation assays to ensure reproducibility• Lead three different projects and communication with external collaborators to meet laboratory goals and deadlines in timely manner• Manage tissue culture facility: cell lines storage, equipments and consumable sterilization. • Train total of 6 Ph.D students for their rotation projects and presentations

Catonsville, Maryland, United States

• Investigated the different rates of monomer-dimer RNA formation for HIV-1, HIV-2, and SIV viruses using solution NMR approach.• Trained junior Ph.D. students in advanced NMR and other basic biochemical assays

Catonsville, Maryland, United States

• Elucidated conserved determinants of Simian Immunodeficiency viral genome for a potential new antiretroviral drug target. • Engineered mutations within viral RNA leaders to study the effect of viral structures on their functions• Analyzed phylogenesis, sequences, and structures of retroviruses in HIV databases using various bioinformatic software tools. This work had led to discovery of extra nucleotides at 5’ end of viral genome and turned into a Ph.D project for another student in the lab.• Performed molecular cloning, protein purification, and biochemical assays: mutagenesis, PCR, solution NMR, EMSA, ITC, DLS, ThT assay, fluorescence and mass spectrometries.• Led and trained 2-person team of students during semesters, 5-person team of students during summer

Catonsville, Maryland, United States

• Developed optimal conditions for gel electrophoresis assays to detect protein oligomer formation in collaboration with University of Nevada• Utilized techniques in inorganic chemistry: ThT assay, fluorescence spectroscopy, EPR, AFM, and confocal microscopy

Ph.D., Biochemistry

Activities and Societies: Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Graduate Association, Summer Orientation Advisor, Chemistry-Biology.

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Biochemistry Major/Business Administration Minor

Activities and Societies: Beta Beta Beta, Gamma Sigma Epsilon, International Club, IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistant for VITA program.