As a Research Assistant and member of Dr. Boron's lab, I work primarily with membrane proteins. We are interested in crystallizing a sodium bicarbonate cotransporter protein using insect cells and/or yeast. Although I have many responsibilities within the lab, I spend a significant amount of time on the expression and purification of our proteins. After production of a large quantity of protein, the protein is subjected to multiple tests to determine purity, monodispersity, and ultimately to determine the best possible conditions for crystallization. I use multiple instruments in the lab (FPLC, Wyatt light scattering, Mosquito) that assist me in efficiently producing crystals. My goal of obtaining high resolution crystals and structures will help us to better understand the functions of our protein that physiology and molecular biology cannot currently predict.
I have been with Case Western for three years. Prior to relocating back to Ohio, I was an employee with the University of Arizona and more recently, HTG Molecular Diagnostics, a start-up biotech company in Tucson. My research areas have changed over the years from microarrays and mammalian cell culture to new product development and currently, membrane protein research and crystallization. I am a mother to two lovely children, Ella (4) and Molly (2). Our family is completed with our pets and my husband, a postdoctoral scholar with the University. As an avid Indians fan, I anxiously await each spring when hope blossoms and I continue to be optimistic that the Tribe will bring a parade to the city of Cleveland.
| Major Research Areas |
|---|
| Protein Folding, Protein Structure/Function, pH Regulation |
| Organ Systems |
| Nervous System, Renal System |
| Major Techniques |
| Cell Culture, Protein Crystallization, Protein Expression |
