Areas of Research

Protein Synthesis Understanding how the ribosome makes proteins and how these proteins fold remains a major challenge in biology. The lab is interested in how the ribosome initiates protein synthesis in humans, a highly-regulated step important for human health. The lab is also exploring proteins as they emerge from the ribosome, and how they are targeted to their final destination. Using bacterial translation, we are exploring ways to engineer the ribosome to make polymers other than proteins. To determine the mechanisms underlying protein synthesis and its regulation, the lab uses a combination of cryo-electron microscopy, systems biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology.

Plant Genome Engineering. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing has opend incredible opportunities to explore plant biology as never before. We collaborate with the Staskawicz Lab in the IGI to explore plant defenses, with the long-term goal of safeguarding crops from encroaching pathogens.

See our research page for more detail, or check out our recent publications.