Current Research
My research centers around properties of biological membrane lipids. I am particularly interested in why we have so many different types of lipids and why they are distributed in very specific ways in the cell. Our specific research ranges from fusion among membranes to reconstitution of membranes using detergents. Within the past few years we formed the "Surfaces Group," an interdepartmental research team, to study the spontaneous distribution of lipids, proteins and other amphiphiles. We use atomic force microscopy (AFM), other types of scanning probe microscopic techniques, fluorescence and uv/vis spectrotroscopy and cyclic voltametry to study a variety of samples.
During the summer of 2003, my students will work on projects that are all lipid-related and could address questions such as: Are lipids randomly organized in membranes? Will that organization change with the addition of a protein or other lipid factor such as a phytoalexin? What are the fluidities of membranes and do these change with proteins or lipidic molecules? These studies will be done using a combination of tools including fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning calorimetry, lipid analysis, thin layer chromatography and gel electrophoresis.
There are numerous opportunities to work in the lab. I welcome students who wish to do independent study, independent research or carry out the research component of their scholarship programs. We also have some work/study positions. Please check the Surfaces Research Page to find the rationale of our work and the recent projects. The most current work is on the boards outside of my door (Science Center 214).
