The main scientific goal of my lab is to create therapeutic or biocatalytic materials made directly from bioactive proteins. Proteins can provide binding and enzymatic functions simply not possible with small molecules, but their large size and folded structure present critical challenges in terms of delivery, stability and activity. We take advantage of protein size, structure and the ability to interact with other proteins, in order to create functional protein materials via self-assembly and bioconjugation routes not available for small molecules. While the protein assemblies we make have applications in vaccines, autoimmune disease, cancer, and biocatalysis, I believe the greatest impact is made by the students who are trained and mentored in my lab and go on to carreers that benefit society and individuals. I will touch on my approach to mentoring the whole student and our outreach efforts to support diversity and inclusion in STEM.

Proteins: The basis for functional materials and mentoring students

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.