Brown Lab @ CSS
Welcome to the research website for Heather Brown, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN.
Our research efforts combine expertise in analytical chemistry and molecular biology. We seek to develop methods and unique instrumentation to characterize local environmental toxins, and biochemical and physiological properties dysfunctional mammalian cells and their sub-cellular components (organelles) in disease. Within these fields we strive to help answer key questions related to the risk of toxicity to humans of contaminants of emerging concern, and disease progression and therapeutics.
Our current research interests include:
Environmental Analytical Chemistry: Identifying and Quantifying Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) from local surface waters.
Oligonucleotide Therapeutics: Development of RNA-based aptamer-siRNA chimeras capable of cell internalization and specific gene expression modulation.
Bioanalytical Instrument Development: Design and construction of a fluorescence-activated organelle sorting instrument capable of non-destructive analysis and capture of specific organelle populations for downstream analysis.
News & Announcements
2/17/21: We are currently seeking 2-4 undergraduate researchers for summer 2021 positions (google form application)! Applications due March 22, 2021. Offers made by Mid-April 2021.
1/19/21: Conor and Megan join the lab for the Spring 2021 semester to work on the CEC project. Welcome!
9/3/19: Jolene and Olivia join the lab for the Fall 2019 semester. Welcome!
7/30 - 8/3/19: Maggie presents her current work to fellow McNair Scholars @ UCLA.
4/23/19: Maggie joins the lab as a McNair Scholar. Welcome Maggie!
3/28/19: Wyatt and Luke are awarded CSS School of Sciences Summer Research Fellowship Awards. Congratulations!
If you are a CSS student with questions about any of these research projects, get in touch with Heather at hbrown5@css.edu, or stop by Science Center 3301.