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Justin Gallivan. Chemistry.
Phone: 404-712-2171
Email: justin.gallivan@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: Our lab is interested in harnessing the power of biological systems to solve problems in chemistry and materials science. The remarkable chemistry performed in living systems is ultimately directed by genes. We develop ways of cloning biosynthesis genes and we evolve these genes in the test tube to coax them to produce new compounds. This work is fundamentally interdisciplinary and students are exposed to a wide variety of techniques ranging from synthetic chemistry to molecular biology.
Student Requirements: All backgrounds are welcome to apply. Coursework in organic chemistry, biochemistry, or genetics is a plus, but is not required. Preference is given to students interested in a future career in science.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Techniques used in this lab: Students can gain experience in molecular biology (cloning, PCR, directed evolution), synthetic organic chemistry, or a combination of the two areas.
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Eric Weeks. Physics.
Phone: 404-727-4479
Email: weeks@physics.emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: We study squishy materials like pastes and foams and gels. How do their microscopic properties relate to their macroscopic squishyness? For example, foams can support some weight without significant deformation. How does the microscopic structure of foam result in this, and what needs to be done to make the foam stronger? Overall, we use microscopy to take pictures of squishy materials and study their properties. We have a variety of specific projects related to squishy materials, email Dr. Weeks for more details.
Student Requirements: at least one year of college-level physics; nothing more is required.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) "Squishy materials", P Habdas, ER Weeks, & DG Lynn, The Physics Teacher 44, 276-279 (May 2006)
(2) "Colloidal glass transition observed in confinement", CR Nugent, KV Edmond, HN Patel, and ER Weeks, Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 025702 (2007)
(3) "Particle migration in pressure-driven flow of a Brownian suspension", M Frank, D Anderson, ER Weeks, and JF Morris, J. Fluid Mech. 493, 363 (2003).
(4) "Forced motion of a probe particle near the colloidal glass transition", P Habdas, D Schaar, AC Levitt, and ER Weeks, Europhys. Lett. 67, 477 (2004).
(5) "Correlations of structure and dynamics in an aging colloidal glass," GC Cianci, RE Courtland, and ER Weeks, Solid State Communications 139, 599-604 (2006).
Techniques used in this lab: confocal microscopy, image analysis, chemical handling and sample preparation, general optical microscopy
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Keiji Morokuma. Chemistry.
Phone: 404-727-2180
Email: morokuma@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: 1. Computational studies of nanostructures and nanomaterials. Students will study computationally, in collaboration with a graduate student or a postdoctoral associate, the structure and stability and the reactivity of various nanostructures and nanomaterials. A few undergraduates have worked in this project.
2. Computational studies of homogenous catalysts and bio-catalysts. Students will study computationally, in collaboration with a graduate student or a postdoctoral associate, the structure and stability of homogenous catalysts and bio-catalysts (enzymes) as well as the mechanism of catalytic reactions. A few undergraduates have worked in this project.
3. Computational studies of elementary reactions of small molecular systems. The potential energy surfaces for elementary reactions of small gas-phase molecules, in particular chemical reactions in connection to upper-atmospheric chemistry and chemical laser systems will be studied. An undergraduate has worked in this project.
Student Requirements: Strong math background. Knowledge in unix not required but helpful.
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) I. V. Khavrutskii, R. R. Rahim, D. G. Musaev and K. Morokuma, Axial Ligand as a Mechanistic Switch of the O-O Bond Activation in Acylperoxo Complexes of [(Salen)MnIIIL]: MnIV versus MnV Oxo Species, J. Phys. Chem. B, 108, 3845-3854 (2004).
(2) G. Zheng, S. Irle, M. Elstner, and K. Morokuma, Towards Formation of Buckminsterfullerene C60 in Quantum Chemical Molecular Dynamics, J. Chem. Phys. 122, 014708/1-7 (2005).
(3) Liu, P. Zhang, K. Morokuma, and R. D. Sharma, A new mechanism for the production of highly vibrationally excited OH in the mesosphere. An ab initio study of the reactions of O2 + H, J. Chem. Phys., 122, 104315/1-7 (2005)
Techniques used in this lab: Various quantum mechanical methods and computer codes for calculations of energy, geometry and properties of molecular systems. Knowledge in Unix/Linux operating system. Molecular graphics to manipulate molecular structures. ChemDraw. Excel.
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Judith Fridovich-Keil. Human Genetics.
Phone: 404-727-3924
Email: jfridov@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: Studies of normal galactose metabolism and the impact of impaired galactose metabolism on patients with transferase- or epimerase-deficiency galactosemia. Projects range from genetic and biochemical studies in yeast to mammalian cell studies to work with patient cells and samples. Our goals are to understand the mechanism and implications of normal galactose metabolism in eukaryotes, as well as the pathophysiology of galactosemia. Our ultimate goal is to devise novel and improved treatments for patients with this family of metabolic disorders.
Student Requirements: Applicants should be self-motivated students seriously considering a career in biological or biomedical research. Student must have at least some (classroom or laboratory) prior exposure to genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Openo, KK, JM Schulz, CA Vargas, CS Orton, MP Epstein, RE Schnur, F Scaglia, GT Berry, GS Gottesman, C Ficicioglu, AE Slonim, RJ Schroer, C Yu, V Rangel, J Keenan, K Lamance, and JL Fridovich-Keil. Epimerase-deficiency galactosemia is not a binary condition. Am J Hum Gen. In press 10/2005.
(2) Schulz, JM, KL Ross, K Malmstrom, M. Krieger, and JL Fridovich-Keil (2005). Mediators of galactose sensitivity in UDP-galactose 4'-epimerase impaired mammalian cells. J. Biol. Chem. 280(14):13493-502.
(3) Wasilenko, J., M.E. Lucas, J.B. Thoden, H.M. Holden, and J.L. Fridovich-Keil (2005). Functional characterization of the K257R and G319E hGALE alleles found in patients with ostensibly peripheral epimerase deficiency galactosemia. Molecular Genetics and Metabolism 84(1):32-8.
(4) Henderson, J.M., A. Watson, R. Sanders, J.B. Thoden, H.M. Holden, and J.L. Fridovich-Keil (2004) Determinants of Function and Substrate Specificity in Human UDP-Galactose 4-Epimerase. J Biol Chem 279(31):32796-803.
(5) Mendelsohn, B.A., C.A. Vargas, A-M. Li, A. Watson, K. Riehman, and J.L. Fridovich-Keil (2003). Genetic and biochemical interactions between SCP160 and EAP1 in yeast. Nucleic Acids Research. 31(20):5838-47
Techniques used in this lab: modern molecular biology, recombinant DNA, yeast genetic and biochemical manipulations, enzyme assays
Additional Comments: Flower in the Crannied Wall
by Lord Alfred Tennyson
(1809-1892)
Flower in the crannied wall,
I pluck you out of the crannies,
I hold you here, root and all, in my hand,
Little flower -but if I could understand
What you are, root and all, and all in all,
I should know what God and man is.
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Vince Conticello. Chemistry.
Phone: 7-2779
Email: vcontic@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Summer
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: The conceptual design of synthetic nano-scale devices can derive much information from structural investigations of biologically derived supramolecular assemblies and, conversely, biological structural motifs present an attractive target for the synthesis of artificial nano-scale systems on the basis of relationships between sequence and supramolecular structure that have been defined for native biological assemblies. Our research utilizes the same structural guidelines as employed in biological systems for the design and construction of non-native, nano-scale materials that display the structural specificity and the chemically and spatially unique functional group presentation of native biomolecular assemblies. In this process, my research group attempts to provide the means to answer four basic questions: (1) Can synthetic protein materials be prepared to emulate and enhance the properties of native protein materials? (2) Can these proteins be designed rationally and synthesized using conventional chemical and molecular genetic approaches? (3) Can the structures be analyzed using characterization methods that enable a meaningful correlation between sequence design and supramolecular architecture? (4) Can we develop methods for encoding function within the polypeptides that would facilitate the use of these materials within directed applications?
Student Requirements: some introductory chemistry and biology courses-rising junior or senior with biology/chemistry major.
Techniques used in this lab: Gene cloning. Protein Expression. Protein characterization techniques including NMR spectroscopy and electron microscopy. Chemical synthesis.
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Dale Edmondson. Biochemistry.
Phone: 404 727-5972
Email: deedmon@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Summer
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: Expression of fish monoamine oxidase in Pichia pastoris and purification and characterization of the recombinant enzyme. This project is to probe the structure and function of a precursor form of human monoamine oxidases A and B.
Student Requirements: Chemistry or Biology majors
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Binda, C., Newton-Vinson, P., Hubalek, F., Edmondson, D.E. and Mattevi, A. 2002 "Structure of Human Monoamine Oxidase B, a Drug Target for the Treatment of Neurological Disorders" Nature, Structural Biology 9, 22-26
(2) Edmondson, D.E., Mattevvi, A., Binda, C., Li, M., and Hubalek, F. (2004) Structure and Mechanism of Monoamine Oxidase, Currents in Medicinal Chemistr0
y 11, 1893-1993
(3) DeColibus, L., Li, M., Bibda, C., Lustig, A., Edmondson, D.E., and Mattevi, A. (2005) Structure of Human Monoamine Oxidase A : Relationship to the Structures of Rat MAO A and Human MAO B Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences 102, 12684-12689
Techniques used in this lab:
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Hui Mao. Radiology.
Phone: (404) 712-0357
Email: hmao@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: Developing and characterization of novel MRI contrast agents for target specific cancer imaging in vivo and for other diagnostic imaging applications.
Additional Project Information: Metabolite profiling of biological samples, e.g, tissue, cells, using high resolution solid state NMR.
Student Requirements:
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Techniques used in this lab: magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, medical image process and analysis
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Ivan Rasnik. Physics.
Phone: 404-727-4039
Email: irasnik@physics.emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: In our lab we study biological systems using single molecule techiques. Currently we are studying several proteins that interact with DNA trying to understand their molecular mechanisms. For example we are looking at a helicase ( a protein that separates DNA or RNA strands) from the Hepatitis C virus, that is essential for virus replication. We are also looking at mismatch repair proteins, that correct errors during the replication process that if go uncorrected may result in cancer and other genetic disorders. By looking at the function of proteins, one at a time we can look at details that are impossible to observe looking at average behavior.
Additional Project Information: We will work towards the development of new approaches to formation of supported lipid bilayers. Present techniques rely on the bilayer formation on a surface, this approach has severe limitations in the applicability of this artificial membranes for membrane protein studies. We will start by exploring the possibilities of patterned surfaces to create lipid bilayers with minimal surface interaction. The physical properties of the lipid bilayers will be studied by single molecule fluorescnce studies of lipids and protein difussion.
Student Requirements: All the techniques we use can be learn if there is dedication and willing to learn. Undergraduate students start working with posdocs or graduate students till they master the technqiues and become independent.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Rasnik, I., S. Myong, W. Cheng, T. M. Lohman and T. Ha (2004). Journal of Molecular Biology 336(2): 395-408
(2) Murphy, M. C., I. Rasnik, W. Cheng, T. M. Lohman and T. J. Ha (2004). Biophysical Journal 86(4): 2530-2537
(3) Ha, T., I. Rasnik, W. Cheng, H. P. Babcock, G. H. Gauss, T. M. Lohman and S. Chu (2002). Nature 419(6907): 638-41.
(4) Rasnik, I., McKinney, S. A., Ha T., Accounts of Chemical Research 38 (7): 542-548.
(5) S. Myong, I. Rasnik, C. Joo, T. M. Lohman and T. Ha . In Press, Nature (October 2005).
Techniques used in this lab: Our lab is highly interdisciplinary, the students will be exposed to a variety of techniques, depending on their specific interests they will use a substet of: fluorescence, spectrophotometry, gel purification, general chemistry lab procedures (buffer preparations etc.), surfaces cleaning protocols for single moelcule experiments, covalently polymer coating of glass surfaces, preparation of unilamelar vesicles, formation of supported lipid bilayers, single molecule fluorescence techniques (confocal, total internal reflection), programming (data acquisition, Labview, C++), programming (data analyses, IDL, Matlab, C++)
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Paul Doetsch. Biochemistry.
Phone: 404-727-0409
Email: medpwd@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: Project would address some aspects of the interconnections between DNA repair and DNA damage tolerance systems in the management of DNA damage using a simple eukaryotic model system (yeast) in order to understand this process in higher organisms (i.e. humans) and its relationship to the development of cancer. Techniques would include genetic, biochmical and molecular biological experimental strategies.
Additional Project Information: We are also using the yeast model system and its genetic and biochemical dissectability to elucidate the mechanisms of action of anticancer drugs and to use isogenic strains of yeast as a potential rapid, inexpensive drug screening tool.
Student Requirements: General science background in biology or chemistry. Undergraduate genetics would be very useful but not absolute requirement.. Undergraduate biochemistry would be useful but not required.
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Evert BA, Salmon TB, Song B, Liu JJ, Siede W, Doetsch PW. (2004) Spontaneous DNA Damage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Elicits Phenotypic Properties Similar to Cancer Cells. J. Biol. Chem. 279: 22585-22594.
(2) Beljanski V, Marzilli L, Doetsch PW. (2004) DNA Damage Processing Pathways Involved in the Eukaryotic Cellular Response to Anticancer DNA Crosslinking Agents. Mol. Pharm. 65:1496-1506
(3) Doudican NA, Song B, Shadel GS, Doetsch PW. (2005) Oxidative DNA Damage Causes Mitochondrial Genetic Instability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mol. Cell Biol. 25: 5196-5204.
(4) Salmon TB, Evert BA, Song B, Doetsch PW. (2004) Biological Consequences of Oxidative Stress-Induced DNA Damage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nucleic Acids Res. 32: 3712-3723.
(5) O'Rourke T, Doudican NA, Zhang H, Eaton JS, Doetsch PW, Shadel GS. (2005) Differential Involvement of the Related DNA Helicases Piflp and Rrm3p in mt DNA Point Mutagenesis and Stability. Gene 354: 86-92.
Techniques used in this lab: Yeast genetic manipulatiions including strain construction, mutagenesis and recombination assays, and biochemical techniques such as protein purificatiion and Western blot analysis. Cell biological techniques such as fluorescence microscopy and cell sorting and analysis are also likely to be used.
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James Kindt. Chemistry.
Phone: 404-712-1817
Email: jkindt@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: The goal of our research is to understand and predict the self-assembly behavior of molecules, macromolecules, and nanoparticles into interesting structures: membranes, disks, chains, networks, rings, and vesicles, to name a few. We use several different types of computer simulation as well as the theory of statistical thermodynamics. A student working in the group over the summer would typically run simulations of mixed lipid bilayer membranes with the goal of understand how the molecular properties of lipids influence their distribution in biological membranes. Along the way, he or she would learn some general skills in computational science, and have the chance to learn to write some simple programs or apply any existing programming expertise.
Student Requirements: Should have completed a year of physics and a year of organic chemistry. Physical chemistry (thermodynamics) or equivalent is useful but not required.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) J. de Joannis, Y. Jiang, F. Yin, and J. T. Kindt, 2006. "Equilibrium distributions of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine and dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine in a mixed lipid bilayer: Atomistic semigrand canonical ensemble simulations." J. Physical Chemistry B, 110, 25875-25882.
(2) J. de Joannis, F. Y. Jiang, and J. T. Kindt, 2006. "Coarse-grained model simulations of mixed-lipid systems: Composition and line tension of a stabilized bilayer edge." Langmuir, 22, 998-1005.
(3) K. Khanna, T. T. Chang, and J. T. Kindt. 2006 "Complementarity and clustering in a simple model mixed bilayer." Journal of Chemical Physics, 124, 036102.
(4) Xinjiang Lu and J. T. Kindt, 2004 "Monte Carlo simulation of the self-assemble and phase behavior of semiflexible equlibrium polymers." J. Chem. Phys. 120, 10328-10338
(5) F. Y. Jiang, Y. Bouret, and J. T. Kindt, 2004. "Molecular dynamics simulations of the lipid bilayer edge." Biophysical Journal, 87, 182-192
Techniques used in this lab: Molecular dynamics and/or Monte Carlo simulation, molecular graphics and animation, Unix/Linux operating system.
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Keith Berland. Physics.
Phone: 404 712 9061
Email: kberland@physics.emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: A wide variety of undergraduate research opportunities are available in the biophotonics lab, ranging from the development of novel optical instrumentation to the application of high-sensitivity fluorescence measurements to investigate protein dynamics and interactions in living cells. Many of our research projects are highly interdisciplinary, and appropriate for students interested in physics, biophysics, biochemistry, and even cell biology. Students interested in instrumentation can participate in designing and building new optical devices, or in writing software for instrument control and data analysis. Interested students should contact the PI about specific current opportunities.
Student Requirements: Preferable to have a strong math background and or computer programming skills, but not specifically required. Molecular biology skills are also useful.
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Observation Volumes and Gamma Factors in Two-Photon Fluctuation Spectroscopy. Biophysical Journal. Vol. 89, 2077-2090
(2) Characterizing Observation Volumes and the Role of Photophysical Dynamics in One-Photon Fluorescence Fluctuation Spectroscopy. Journal of Biomedical Optics Vol 10(4). 044015, 1-9
(3) Saturation Modified Point Spread Functions in Two-Photon Microscopy. Microscopy Research and Technique. Vol. 64, 135-141.
(4) High Sensitivity Detection of Specific DNA Molecules Using Dual-Color Two-Photon Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy. Journal of Biotechnology. Vol. 108, 127-136.
(5) Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy: A New Tool for Quantification of Molecular Interactions , Protein-Protein Interactions: Methods and Protocols (ed. H. Fu), Humana Press. Pp. 383-397.
Techniques used in this lab: Some reserach tools you may learn about and use in the lab include: Fluorescence Microscopy, Fluctuation Spectroscopy, Laser Physics, Two-photon microscopy, Nuclear Localization Signal Biophysics, Protein Conjugation, Amyloid Peptide Self-assembly, Biophysics of the Intracellular Environment
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Nael McCarty. Pediatrics.
Phone: 727-3654
Email: namccar@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Summer
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: Our lab has identified a peptide toxin inhibitor of CFTR, the chloride channel protein defective in Cystic Fibrosis. The summer project would entail the production of mutant forms of this toxin, which we call GaTx1, and performance of electrophysiological experiments to test the efficacy of inhibition by the mutant toxins. Students will learn: molecular biology, recombinant protein production, electrophysiology.
Student Requirements: Rising junior at least, having completed basic biology courses and had some wet lab experience.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) 25) Fuller, M.D., C.H. Thompson, Z.-R. Zhang, C. Freeman, B. Sarkadi, G. Szakacs, D. McMaster, R.J. French, J. Pohl, J. Kubanek, and N.A. McCarty (2007) State-dependent inhibition of CFTR chloride channels by a novel peptide toxin. J. Biol. Chem. 282:37545-37555.
(2) 23) Fuller, M.D., Z.-R. Zhang, G. Cui, and N.A. McCarty (2005) The block of CFTR by scorpion venom is state-dependent. Biophys. J. 89: 3960-3975.
(3) 22) Thompson, C.H., D.M. Fields, Olivetti, P.R., M.D. Fuller, Z.-R. Zhang, and N.A. McCarty (2005) Inhibition of ClC-2 Cl- channels by a peptide component of scorpion venom. J. Membr. Biol. 208: 65-76.
(4) 1) Thompson, C.H., P.R. Olivetti, M.D. Fuller, C.S. Freeman, D. McMaster, R.F. French, J. Pohl, J. Kubanek, and N.A. McCarty. Isolation of a peptide toxin inhibitor of ClC-2 voltage-gated chloride channels. (submitted)
Techniques used in this lab: Molecular biology (mutagenesis, sequencing, plasmid manipulation); recombinant protein production (biochemistry, HPLC); electrophysiology (patch-clamp)
Additional Comments: News release on this project: http://gtresearchnews.gatech.edu/reshor/rh-ws08/venom.pdf
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Michael Heaven. Chemistry.
Phone: 404 727 6617
Email: mheaven@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: We are studying the structure, bonding and reactivity of chemical intermediates (radicals and ions) using electronic spectroscopy. These species are examined in the gas phase and in low-temperature rare-gas solids.
Student Requirements:
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) J. Merritt, J. Han, and M. C. Heaven, J. Chem. Phys. 128, 084304/1-084304/8 (2008)
Spectroscopy of the UO2+ cation and the delayed ionization of UO2
(2) J. Han, M. C. Heaven, U. Schnupf, and M. H. Alexander, J. Chem. Phys. 128, 104308/1-104308/12 (2008)
Experimental and theoretical studies of the CN-Ar van der Waals complex
(3) Md. H. Kabir, V. N. Azyazov and M. C. Heaven, J. Phys. Chem. A, 111 10062 (2007)
Quenching of I(2P1/2) by NO2, N2O4, and N2O
(4) W. M. Fawzy and M. C. Heaven, J. Chem. Phys. 126, 154311 (2007)
Ab initio investigation of the NH(X)-N2 van der Waals complex
Techniques used in this lab: Students will introduced to pulsed laser technology, vacuum systems, fast detection electronics and molecular spectroscopy
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Susanna Widicus Weaver. Chemistry.
Phone: 404-727-4049
Email: swidicu@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: Other
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: The work will involve both laboratory and observational research in astrochemistry. Our goal is to obtain the THz spectrum of small, unstable organic compounds that are thought to be key intermediates in the development of biologically-relevant chemistry in the interstellar medium. A detection of such a molecule in space would offer the first direct evidence of complex prebiotic interstellar chemistry, and could offer clues to the chemical mechanisms leading to the development of life.
In the lab, the student will develop a supersonic expansion source for the production of highly reactive, highly unstable transient organic molecules through O(1D) insertion reactions. This source is currently in the design phase, and the research will involve constructing and testing the first prototype. Once it is optimized, we will use this source to obtain the rotational spectrum of our first target molecules, which are the critical first products of interstellar prebiotic chemistry. The student will work with a graduate student to construct and test the molecular source. They will also be involved in development of the spectroscopic instrument. Laboratory characterization will provide the spectral fingerprints necessary to conduct searches for these molecules in space. The student will therefore also participate in the related observational astronomy research during the summer months.
Student Requirements: I will take students at any level of undergraduate work, as long as they have had a basic introduction to chemistry (i.e. Chem 141/142 or equivalent).
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Garrod R. T., Widicus Weaver S. L., & Herbst E. "Chemistry during the warm-up phase of a hot core: A new grain/gas chemical model." 2008, Astrophys. Journal, 682, 283-304.
Techniques used in this lab: The student will learn several laboratory techniques that are unusual for a chemistry lab, including optics, vacuum hardware, and electronics. The student will also learn the operational principles for any equipment used in the lab. Our group builds new instrumentation, and so the student will undoubtedly learn the basics of spectroscopic instrument design and construction. In addition, the student will gain a basic introduction to molecular spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, and astronomy.
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Connie Roth. Physics.
Phone: 404-727-4083
Email: cbroth@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: We study the physical and dynamical properties of polymers. How polymer molecules are perturbed by their surroundings and how these effects can be used to create polymer materials with unique properties. Research focuses on fundamental understanding that will lead to innovations for new technological applications.
Student Requirements: at least one year of college-level physics; nothing more is required.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Giant molecules: Here, and There, and Everywhere, A. Y. Grosberg and A. R. Khokhlov, Academic Press, San Diego, 1997.
(2) Polymer Physics, M. Rubinstein and R. H. Colby, Oxford University Press, New York, 2003.
(3) C.B. Roth and J.R. Dutcher, "Glass transition and chain mobility in thin polymer films", Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry 584, 13 - 22 (2005).
(4) C.B. Roth, K.L. McNerny, W.F. Jager, and J.M. Torkelson, "Eliminating the Enhanced Mobility at the Free Surface of Polystyrene: Fluorescence Studies of the Glass Transition Temperature in Thin Bilayer Films of Immiscible Polymers," Macromolecules 40, 2568 - 2574 (2007).
(5) C.B. Roth, A. Pound, S.W. Kamp, C.A. Murray, and J.R. Dutcher, "Molecular weight dependence of the glass transition temperature of freely-standing poly(methyl methacrylate) films", European Physical Journal E 20, 441 - 448 (2006).
Techniques used in this lab: ellipsometry, fluorescence, chemical handling and sample preparation, polymer synthesis, graphing and data analysis
Additional Comments: Undergraduate students will have an opportunity to participate in current research projects often working closely with a particular graduate student in the group. All efforts will be made to find research projects that are sufficiently self-contained as to come to some form of conclusion at the end of the research term, but the nature of research is that you will be trying something new. The undergraduate student will be considered an integral member of the group, thus gaining a feel for the graduate school experience.
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Simon Blakey. Chemistry.
Phone: 404 7276738
Email: sblakey@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: Synthesis of organometallic catalysts for asymmetric C-H amination reactions
Student Requirements: Successfully completed organic chemistry (222 or 172) and associated Lab - strong interest in chemical research
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Techniques used in this lab:
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EUGENE DEMCHUK. Division of Toxicology.
Phone: 770-488-3327
Email: edemchuk@cdc.gov
Institution: CDC/ATSDR
Location: Off-campus (personal vehicle required, carpool possible but not guaranteed)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an increasingly common developmental disability in industrial nations. ASD is thought to result from gene-environment interactions. Despite research progress in identifying candidate genes associated with ASD, no clear etiology or causative marker has been found. If and when a genetic predisposition is identified, the next research question will be: What environmental trigger is responsible for the development or manifestation of the clinical phenotype? To address this question we develop a rapid-screening computational toxicology methodology which can be applied to large numbers of environmental pollutants (ligands) and a known or suspected biological target for autism. Starting with a model database of hypothesized chemical triggers and a set of critical-pathway genes, we screen the chemicals against known genetic variants using state-of-the-art molecular docking techniques. Top scored gene/chemical combinations potentially offer an educated choice for further in-depth analysis of gene-environment interactions using laboratory and/or epidemiological methods.
Additional Project Information: The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Computational Toxicology and Method Development Laboratory implements the full range of methods in support of ATSDR mission to protect human populations from exposure to environmental contaminants. These include benchmark dose, chemical-specific adjustment factor, physiologically-based pharmacokinetic, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR), genetic-susceptibility- and meta-analysis modeling, and modeling the toxicity of chemical mixtures. Computational toxicology methods are used as an integrated systematic approach in the development of ATSDR Minimal Risk Levels to be used as health guidance values to protect populations exposed to toxic chemicals at hazardous waste sites. These methods are also used in the development of ATSDR Toxicological Profiles, to support environmental health consultations and prioritization of environmental chemical hazards, when experimental information is insufficient, and to improve study design, when filling the priority data needs as mandated by the Congress. Also, the Laboratory is engaged in the development of response strategies to new emerging chemical threats. We develop methods for assessing toxicological effects of potentially hazardous chemicals from their chemical structure alone. A need for analysis of this type is especially imminent during the times of emergencies, whether it is an accidental chemical release, major natural disaster, or terrorist threat in all situations when time is a critical element of public health response.
Student Requirements: chemistry, toxicology and/or physiology, statistics, biochemistry, basic understanding of principles in physics, basic math
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Demchuk, E.; Ruiz, P.; Wilson, J.D.; Scinicariello, F.; Pohl, H.R.; Fay, M.; Mumtaz, M.; Hansen, H.; De Rosa, C.T. Computational toxicology methods in public health practice . Toxicol. Mech. Method. 2008, 18, 119135.
(2) Snyder, J.A.; Demchuk, E.; McCanlies E.C.; Schuler, C.R.; Kreiss, K.; Frye, B.; Ensey, J.; Stanton, M.; Weston, A. Impact of negatively charged patches on the surface of MHC class II antigen-presenting proteins on risk of chronic beryllium disease . J. R. Soc. Int. 2008, 5, 749758.
(3) Demchuk, E.; Albin, B.C.; Fay, M.; Garrett, R.M.; Hansen, H. Structure-activity analysis of chemical health guidance values . Toxicologist (Suppl. to Toxicol. Sci.) 2006, 90, 186.
(4) Demchuk, E.; Yucesoy, B.; Johnson, V.J.; Weston, A.; Germolec, D.; De Rosa, C.T.; Luster, M.I. A statistical model to assess genetic susceptibility as a risk factor in multifactorial diseases: Lessons from occupational asthma . Environ. Health Persp. 2007, 115, 231234.
(5) Hnizdo, V.; Darian, E.; Fedorowicz, A.; Demchuk, E.; Li, S.; Singh, H. Nearest-neighbor nonparametric method for estimating the configurational entropy of complex molecules . J. Comp. Chem. 2007, 28, 655668.
Techniques used in this lab: Students may learn various computational toxicology techniques, including benchmark dose modeling, chemical-specific adjustment factor modeling, physiologically-based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling, (quantitative) structure-activity relationship -- (Q)SAR modeling, genetic-susceptibility- and meta-analysis modeling, modeling the toxicity of chemical mixtures and chemical-chemical interactions, molecular docking, protein homology structure modeling, and other.
Additional Comments: A brief description of the ATSDR Computational Toxicology lab can be found at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/dtem/programs/comptox/index.html
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Gregg Orloff. none.
Phone: 404-727-0308
Email: gorloff@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: Off-campus (but accessible via shuttle, e.g., Grady or VA Hospitals)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: CancerQuest (http://www.cancerquest.org) is an award-winning cancer education project designed to educate and empower cancer patients, caregivers, students and the general public.
We produce content, videos, animations, games, posters and other educational tools.
Students, depending on their interest and skills, could be involved in all aspects of the program including researching, science writing, video creating and editing, graphics, programming, etc.
Student Requirements: Some Biology background and an interest in education/outreach. Computer skills are not necessary but the student must have the desire to learn new programs.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Breast Cancer: A Patient's Journey (DVD)
(2) COMPASS: Breast Cancer Edition (DVD)
(3) Gastrostomy Tubes (DVD)
Techniques used in this lab: Science writing, video editing, Flash, HTML (some), Web programming (if interested).
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Stefan Lutz. Chemistry.
Phone: 404-712-2170
Email: sal2@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: We do a wide variety of protein engineering studies, tailoring these biocatalysts to work with unnatural substrates, to perform novel reactions, and to function in the laboratory environment (elevated reaction temperature, organic solvents etc.)
Student Requirements: classes in organic chemistry and biochemistry
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Techniques used in this lab: Gene cloning (molecular biology), working with bacteria and yeast (microbiology), protein purification & enzyme kinetics (biochemistry), organic synthesis, biophysical methods (spectroscopy, calorimetry,...)
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