I got my Ph.D. from Columbia University, working on how proteins’ movement helps them make reactions go faster. For my postdoc at UC Berkeley, I studied the binding and interactions of proteins with biomembranes. In my own group, we combine these interests: how proteins utilize conformational mobility to perform their function and how they work together in large complexes. Specifically, we look at proteins that reside in the membrane and are involved in the trafficking of vesicles, communication between organelles, protein quality control, and protecting the cell against oxidants and invaders. I am also fascinated by the roles of selenium in proteins and the contributions of selenoproteins to human health.

Bio: Video 

Meet our Group: Video

After receiving my bachelor’s degree in microbiology, I entered the University of Tehran to study microbial biotechnology. In my master period, I worked on purification and characterization of an extracellular protease from an actinomycete. This enzyme is highly active in extreme conditions such as high temperature and high alkalinity, which is useful for industrial purposes. My current project is centered around characterizing, both quantitatively and qualitatively, protein-protein interactions involved in a key protein degradation pathway in the endoplasmic reticulum, specifically those of selenoprotein S (selenos) using proteomics.

Bio: Video 

Research: Video

I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry in 2019 at Icesi University, in Colombia. My current interests involve structural biology of selenos protein complxes using cryo-electron microscopy.

Bio: Video

Hi! My name is Masha (she/her/hers), and I am a third-year graduate student. Before joining the Rozovsky group I received a Specialist degree (the equivalent of a Master’s degree) in Lomonosov Moscow State University. My field of study lies in the intersection of virology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Since my undergrad study, I have been studying the mechanisms of virus replication and how human proteins participate in these processes. In Prof. Rozovsky’s group, particularly, I am studying the role of selenos in the unfolded protein response, a cellular pathway that ensures optimal protein functionality.

I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biochemistry from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. I enrolled in the Ph.D program at the University of Delaware in 2021 and I am interested in understanding how selenoprotein k (selenok) contribute to the immune system. At present, I utilize proteomics to identify and characterize interaction partners of selenok . 

Hi! My name is Osamede (He/him/he’s), I received my bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. I enrolled in the PhD program at the University of Delaware in 2022 and I’m interested in finding the role of selenoproteins in protein degradation.

Samiran earned his Master of Science degree from Tribhuvan University. His research focus on the study of derlins, integral components of the endoplasmic reticulum degradation pathway. Derlins are specialized in identifying membrane proteins and safeguarding them against incorrect folding or assembly.

I graduated from Rowan University in 2019 and joined the University of Delaware that year. My project focus on the autoproteolysis of SELENOK. SELENOK is an intrinsically disordered membrane-bound selenoprotein that can cleave itself and possibly protein partners. The cellular roles of SELENOK are not well understood but appear to be related to protein degradation, calcium flux and the immune response. I am studying how post-translational modifications influence the cleavage of SELENOK and governs its interactions with protein partners.

Bio: Video 

Research: Video

More soon!

I am a biochemistry major. I am interested in chemistry, history, cooking, and of course, cleaning glassware. I work with Fabio to identify protein partners of selenoprotein S.

Patricia is pursuing a major in Medical Laboratory Science and assists in the coordination and organization of the laboratory.