Peter D
- Research Program Mentor
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Expertise
Protein/Enzyme Design and Engineering, Genetics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Dynamics, Parkinson's Disease, Chemistry, Phage Evolution
Project ideas
CRISPR-guided Genetic Fitness of Bacteria
All living organisms use promoter sequences to recruit internal machinery and create proteins/enzymes that facilitate most every biological function known. Using CRISPR, we can target these promoter regions and change which promoters regulate important genes. Are there certain genes that might help a bacteria survive better when a strong promoter is used? Could changing the expression of certain proteins give one bacterial culture an advantage over another? The questions we could ask are endless! In this project you will learn skills in bacterial culturing, gene expression, genetic cloning and mutations, CRISPR techniques, the basics of biological assaying, biochemistry, and microbiology.
Protein Modification and Engineering
Students will work towards identifying a pair of proteins/enzymes that have different functions but might work together in the body. Through truncation and grafting the two domains together, we can create a chimeric protein/enzyme that has two functions that might work together to better solve a task. In this project, students will get hands-on training with genetic manipulation, protein expression, enzymatic assaying, quantification and analytical skills pertaining to biochemistry and bioengineering.