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 two interests: how protein utilize conformational mobility to perform their function and how protein 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, and protecting the cell against oxidants and invaders.

Bio: 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).

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 and the role of SELENOS in the replication complex of viral particles.

Bio: Video

 

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 studying how selenoproteins contribute to the immune system.

 

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

 

I received my Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Wuhan University in 2016. I am pursuing my Ph.D. at the University of Delaware since 2017. As a joint student of the Rozovsky and Polenova research groups, I am interested in utilizing selenium-77 NMR spectroscopy to understand protein structure, dynamics and function. Specifically, we built a selenium NMR library of selenomethionine in different protein environments, aiming to develop an NMR method to probe selenium and even sulfur chemical environments in proteins. Besides, I am also interested in studying proteins by different NMR approaches.

 

 

I am an undergraduate biochemistry major. I’m interested in the synthesis of selenoproteins through solid-phase peptide synthesis for use in native chemical ligation of selenoproteins. I aspire to pursue a career as a physician scientist focusing on precision treatments for genetic disorders.