B.S., Randolph-Macon College; Ph.D., University of Virginia
Research Interests:
My research interests are focused on studying the interaction of small molecules with
proteins, as well as protein-protein interactions. Our goal is to examine the structural
features that influence molecular binding processes on the surfaces of proteins. We
use spectrophotometric methods (fluorescence, UV/Vis) and kinetics to observe and
monitor these interactions. For example, small molecules such as GTP can activate
or deactivate certain cellular pathways by interacting with GTP binding proteins (G-proteins)
which then activate or inactivate other proteins creating a cascade-like effect that
is mediated primarily through protein-protein interactions. Many intracellular cellular
activities are controlled by these types of cascades, including cellular division
which can be implicated in particular types of cancer, or other disease states such
as whooping cough or pertussis.
