Thaiesha A. Wright
Assistant Professor, CBE
University of California, Los Angeles
(310)825-2816
Assistant Professor, CBE
University of California, Los Angeles
(310)825-2816
Education
Miami University Oxford, OH
Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry August 2015 – June 2020
Research Advisors: Richard C. Page, Ph.D. and Dominik Konkolewicz, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Advances in Synthesis and Biophysical Analysis of Protein-Polymer Bioconjugates
Spelman College Atlanta, GA
Bachelor of Science, Chemistry August 2011 – May 2015
Research Advisor: Leyte Winfield, Ph.D.
Research Experience
University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
Assistant Professor, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering November 2022 – Present
Nature routinely achieves feats of materials engineering that are currently very difficult for chemists to match. This is founded on precise control over the organization of matter across multiple length scales, from the molecular level up to whole organisms. Our research will seeks to produce new ways of mimicking this advanced behavior by taking motifs from biology and using them in synthetic systems. Exploiting the specificity of biological interactions will allow us to design nanomaterials with unique, responsive behaviors, and to program the synthesis of artificial sequence-defined polymers. Additionally, it is difficult to incorporate full-length proteins into soft materials. Our lab will explore the synthesis of novel protein-polymer conjugates to address these problems chemically. Projects in this area will range from targeted nanoparticle drug delivery to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Currently, I am advisor to two graduate students and five undergraduate students. This fall, we are expecting two (2) additional graduate students and one (1) undergraduate student.
University of California, San Diego San Diego, CA
Postdoctoral Researcher, Nanoengineering 2021 – 2022
As a president’s postdoctoral research fellow, my research developed methods to integrate engineered living matter with polymeric materials. We worked to create new composite materials that are responsive to diverse stimuli and capable of generating complex, genetically encoded material outputs. The goal of this work was to develop techniques that will enable the creation of materials at the living/non-living interface, with the potential for use in biosynthetic electronics, chemical threat decontamination, therapeutic synthesis/delivery, and soft robotics, among other applications. In addition to this, I had the opportunity to train and work with Ph.D. students.
University of Colorado, Boulder Boulder, CO
Postdoctoral Researcher, Chemical Engineering 2020 – 2021
As a chancellor’s postdoctoral research fellow, my research focused on correlating the compatibility of overall protein hydrophobicity with polymer composition, creating label-free hydrogels for sensitive and selective detection of Zika virus, and correlating the polymer composition preferences for immobilized proteins to those of soluble protein-polymer conjugates. In addition to this, I had the opportunity to train and work with graduate and undergraduate students.
Miami University Oxford, OH
Graduate Student, Biochemistry and Polymer Chemistry 2015 – 2020
I worked to characterize the effect of polymer conjugation Fervidobacterium nodosum thermophilic cellulase (FnCel5a) while working under the guidance of Dr. Richard C. Page and Dr. Dominik Konkolewicz. Initially I studied the effect of pH, temperature, organic solvents, and site-specific mutations on the overall activity and stability of the industrially relevant, wild-type enzyme. This experience and collaborations with other projects have significantly developed my biochemistry skills – I have learned foundational and complex biochemistry skills, including but not limited to: plasmid transformation and isolation, protein expression and purification, gel electrophoresis, absorbance-based assays, site-directed DNA mutagenesis, circular dichroism, and differential scanning fluorimetry. To understand the effect on protein stability, I developed a facile, high-throughput approach to calculating various thermodynamic properties of protein unfolding, including standard Gibbs Free Energy, using Differential Scanning Fluorimetry. My work has primarily utilized Reversible - Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) Polymerization and conjugation chemistries, site-specific and randomized grafting-to and grafting-from targeting various amino acid residues on the protein. In addition to this, I had the opportunity to train and work with twelve undergraduate students, three of whom have been co-authors on my research articles.
University of Arkansas for Medical Science (UAMS) Little Rock, AR
Junior Researcher, Summer Undergraduate Research Program Summer 2014
I conducted research in the laboratory of Dr. Brian Storrie where my project sought to confirm that there is a Golgi-specific delay in Rab6-depleted cells. Once Rab6 is depleted in HeLa cells, they have been shown to resist HIV infection, cause cellular proliferation, and proteins in these cells have a slowed rate of cellular appearance. I confirmed a Golgi specific delay occurs in the trans-Golgi cisternae in these cells, using GalT, SialyT, and VSV-G.
Spelman College Atlanta, GA
Junior Researcher, Organic Synthesis 2012 – 2015
While working under the leadership and guidance of Dr. Leyte Winfiled, I synthesized guanidine-based derivatives as therapeutic agents to be used for treatment of prostate, ovarian, and breast cancer. The effectiveness and potency of these compounds were investigated in the presences of cancerous human prostate cells. In addition to conducting research, I had the opportunity to mentor and train two high school students who showed interests in research.
Publications
Çalbaş, B.; Keobounnam, A. N.; Korban, C.; Doratan, A. J.; Sharma, A. Y.; Wright, T. A. Protein–polymer bioconjugation, immobilization, and encapsulation: a comparative review towards applicability, functionality, activity, and stability. Biomater. Sci. 2024, 12, 2841-2864 (Invited Submission)
Bisirri, E.A.; Wright, T.A.; Schwartz, D.K.; Kaar, J.L. Tuning Polymer Composition Leads to Activity-Stability Tradeoff in Enzyme-Polymer Conjugates. Biomacromolecules. 2023, 24, 9, 4033–4041
Wright, T.A.; Bennett, C.; Johnson, M.R.; Fischesser, H.; Chandrarathne, B.M.; Ram, N.; Maloof, E.; Tyler, A.; Upshaw, C.R.; Stewart, J.M.; Page, R.C.; Konkolewicz, D. Investigating the Impact of Polymer Length, Attachment Site, and Charge on Enzymatic Activity and Stability of Cellulase. Biomacromolecules. 2022, 23, 10, 4097-4109.
Wright, T.A.; Rahman, M.S.; Bennett, C.; Johnson, M.R.; Fischesser, H.; Ram, N.; Tyler, A.; Page, R.C.; Konkolewicz, D. Hydrolytically Stable Maleimide-End-Functionalized Polymers for Site-Specific Protein Conjugation. Bioconjugate Chem. 2021, 32, 11, 2447-2456.
Kovaliov, M.; Wright, T.A.; Mathers, R.T.; Meng, D.; Szcześniak, K.; Janczyk, J.; Jurga, S.; Cheng, B.; Page, R. C.; Konkolewicz, D.; Averick, S. Influence of Polymer Degree of Polymerization on Enzyme Activity Towards the Design of the Next Generation Biohybrid Catalysts. Bioconjugate Chem. 2020, 31, 3, 939–947
Wright, T.A.; Page, R.C.; Konkolewicz, D. Polymer Conjugation of Proteins as a Synthetic post-translational modification to impact their stability and activity. Polym. Chem., 2019, 10, 434-454 (Invited Submission)
Danielson, A.P.; Dougherty, M.L.; Falatach, R.; Wright, T.A.; Clark, E.E.; Craig, A.C.; Sahu, I.D.; Berberich, J.A.; Page, R.C.; Lorigan, G.A.; Konkolewicz, D. Biocatalytic Polymerization, Bioinspired Surfactants, and Bioconjugates Using RAFT Polymerization. Reversible Deactivation Radical Polymerization: Materials and Applications, Ch. 12, 2018, 219-232
Burridge, K. M.; Wright, T. A.; Page, R. C.; Konkolewicz, D. Photochemistry for Well-Defined Polymers in Aqueous Media: From Fundamentals to Polymer Nanoparticles to Bioconjugates. Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2018, 1800093.
Wright, T. A.; Dougherty, M. L.; Schmitz, B.; Burridge, K. M.; Makaroff, K.; Stewart, J. M.; Fischesser, H. D.; Sheperd, J. T.; Berberich, J. A.; Konkolowicz, D.; Page, R. C. Polymer Chemistry to Enhance Cellulase Activity and Preserve Thermal and Functional Stability. Bioconjugate Chem. 2017, 28, 2638-2645
Wright, T. A.; Stewart, J. M.; Page, R. C.; Konkolewicz, D. Extraction of Thermodynamic Parameters of Protein Unfolding Using Parallelized Differential Scanning Fluorimetry. Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters. 2017, 8, 553-558.
Presentations
Gordon Research Conference, Les Diablerets, Switzerland June 2024
Poster Presentation: Hydrolytically Stable Maleimide-End-Functionalized Polymers for Site-Specific Protein Conjugation
Invited Seminar, Young Scientist Award Lecture, University of California, Santa Barbara March 2021
Advances in Synthesis and Biophysical Analysis of Protein-Polymer Bioconjugates
ACS National Conference, Orlando, FL April 2019
Oral Presentation: Polymer Conjugation to Enhance Enzyme Activity and Preserve Stability
AAAS Annual Meeting, Washington, DC February 2019
Poster Presentation: Polymer Bioconjugation to Enhance Enzyme Activity and Preserve Stability
Graduate Student Research Forum, Miami University November 2018
Oral Presentation: Developing New Functionalizable and Stable Cellulose Degrading Enzymes
SACNAS National Conference, San Antonio, TX October 2018
Oral Presentation: Polymer Conjugation to Enhance Cellulase Activity
ACS National Conference, New Orleans, LA March 2018
Poster Presentation: Extraction of Thermodynamic Parameters of Protein Unfolding Using Parallelized Differential Scanning Fluorimetry
Oral Presentation: Polymer Conjugation to Enhance Cellulase Activity and Preserve Thermal and Functional Stability
SACNAS National Conference, Salt Lake City, UT October 2017
Poster Presentation: Extraction of Thermodynamic Parameters of Protein Unfolding Using Parallelized Differential Scanning Fluorimetry
ASBMB National Conference, Chicago, IL April 2016
Poster Presentation: Extraction of Thermodynamic Parameters of Protein Unfolding Using Parallelized Differential Scanning Fluorimetry
Invited Seminar, Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA March 2017
Bridging Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry: New enzymes with distinct capabilities
Research Day, Spelman College, Atlanta, GA April 2015
Poster Presentation: Synthesis of Sulfonamide Derivates for the Improvement of Chemotherapeutic Treatment
Emerging Researchers National Conference, Washington, DC February 2015
Poster Presentation: Synthesis of Sulfonamide Derivates for the Improvement of Chemotherapeutic Treatment
Central Arkansas Undergraduate Summer Research Symposium, UAMS July 2014
Poster Presentation: A Trans-Golgi Specific Delay in cargo Transport Is Sufficient to Explain Increased Golgi Cisternal Number in Rab6-Depleted Cells
Research Day, Spelman College, Atlanta, GA April 2014
Oral Presentation: Utilizing Technology to Encourage Colligate Health at Spelman College
Science Communication and Advocacy Experience
President and Founder, Science Policy Group, Miami University 2017 – 2018
Founded the group to foster student interest in science policy, advocate for science-informed policymaking and support clear communication of science
Organized and written monthly research spotlight articles on graduate student research to be printed in the Miami Student Newspaper
ComSciCon 2018 National Workshop Participant, Boston, MA June 2018
Workshop series organized by graduate students, for graduate students, focused on effectively communicating science to the general public.
1 of 50 graduate students selected to attend
Congressional Staff Host, Miami University August 2017
Met with staff members from the offices of Senator Rob Portman and Representative Warren Davidson to discuss the importance and impact of scientific research and funding
Publications
Wright, T.A. How to Create a Science Policy Group. Scientific American, August 7, 2018
Wright, T. A. Graduate Student Digs into the Social Psychology Behind Minority Experience. The Miami Student Newspaper, May 1, 2018. p 6.
Wright, T. A. A Dangerous Trinity: Grad Student Researches Alcohol, Sexual Assault and Silent Bystanders. The Miami Student Newspaper, Apr. 3, 2018. p 6.
Wright, T. A. A Three-Dimensional Solution. The Miami Student Newspaper, Sept. 26 2017. p 6.
Teaching & Pedagogy Experience
University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
Course: Chemical Engineering 112/212 – Polymer Processing 112/212 Winter 2024
Responsibilities: Developed course materials and intoduced upper level undergraduate and graduate students to fundamental polymer concepts.
Feedback (C212): Overall rating of instructor 8.5 ± 0.71 out of 9, Course Overall 8 ± 0.2 out of 9
Feedback (C112): Overall rating of instructor 8 ± 0.6 out of 9, Course Overall 8 ± 0.4 out of 9
Course: Chemical Engineering 104B – Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Lab Fall 2023
Responsibilities: Developed course materials to strengthen student laboratory and communication skills while training graduate students in teaching/ leading.
Feedback: Overall rating of instructor 8.29 ± 0.76 out of 9, Course Overall 7.71 ± 1.8 out of 9
Course: Chemical Engineering 101C – Mass Transport Spring 2023
Responsibilities: Developed course materials and taught third-year CBE students one of the fundamental pillars of chemical engineering
Feedback: Overall rating of instructor 8.12 ± 1 out of 9, Course Overall 7.8 ± 1 out of 9
Miami University Oxford, OH
Graduate Teaching Assistant 2015 – 2019
Served as Teaching Assistant for General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry
Lead and supervised undergraduate laboratory experiments
Skills taught include, but are not limited to: distillation, extraction, IR, NMR, TLC, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, Protein Purification, DNA Isolation, Titration, and Basic Chemistry Fundamentals
Provided regular out-of-class assistance to ensure students understood course concepts and preformed to the best of their ability
University of Wisconsin, La Crosse La Crosse, WI
Tutor Counselor, Upward Bound Summer 2015
My duties were those of a counselor, teaching assistant (general chemistry), and residential aid for high school students undergoing a summer enrichment program at University of Wisconsin at La Crosse
Developed a relationship with assigned “family” of 5 students through weekly outings and providing a positive influence
Spelman College Atlanta, GA
Teaching Assistant, General Chemistry Lab 2012 – 2015
Supervised undergraduate general chemistry laboratory experiments
Ensured students understand and utilized safety techniques in the laboratory
Maintained laboratory equipment including cleaning and calibrating
Prepared stock solutions and reagents to be used during experiments
Awards
Dissertation Scholar 2019 – 2020
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH
9-month appointment awarded annually to an advanced doctoral student, determined by faculty vote
Graduate Student Achievement Award November 2018
The Graduate School and Office for the Advancement of Research and Scholarship, Miami University, Oxford, OH
Award to recognize significant achievement in any research or creative activity by graduate students
1 of 13 graduate students to receive award
Bernard Bubnis and Robin Parker Graduate Research Fellowship August 2018
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH
Fellowship established to fund graduate research fellow’s travel to a meeting to present research
1 of 6 graduate students to receive award
2nd Place – Chemistry Poster Presentations April 2015
Research Day, Spelman College, Atlanta, GA
Travel Award and 3rd Place – Biological Science Poster Presentations February 2015
Emerging Researchers National Conference, Washington, D.C.
1st Place – Computer Science Oral Presentations April 2014
Research Day, Spelman College, Atlanta, GA
Leadership and Service
Panelist, UCLA Women in Engineering Leadership Academy October 2024
UCLA Women in Engineering Leadership Academy (WE@UCLA) hosted an event for undergraduate and graduate student entitled "Managing Success and Navigating Failure." As a panelist, I had the opportunity to share my leadership journey, how I overcame obstacles, and managed rising and growing throughout my career.
ABRCMS Abstract Reviewer September 2024
The Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS) has been the go-to conference for historically excluded community college, undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. I served as an abstract reviewer
Mentor, UCLA Samueli Research Scholar (SRS) program June 2024 - August 2024
SRS began as an opportunity to provide research opportunities to UCLA Samueli undergraduate students who are historically underrepresented in engineering. I served as a research mentor.
Judge, Mork Family Department Research Symposium, University of Southern California March 2024
I served as a judge of oral and poster presentations of the 18th Annual Mork Family Department Research Symposium, sponsored by Chevron.
Faculty Advisory Committee the Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies Member October 2023 – Present
As a member of the faculty advisory committee, I have the responsibility of attending all meetings and advising the Director (Professor Gaye Theresa Johnson) on research, programmatic initiatives, and ongoing Bunche Center operations.
Biomaterials for Drug Delivery Session Co-Chair, AIChE December 2022 – Present
As an AIChE co-chair, I have the responsibility of reading abstracts and making comments in order to determine which presenters for the Biomaterials for Drug Delivery session and sending recommendations to the session chair. In addition to this, I am responsible for reviewing the draft presentations and providing comments. Lastly, at the national conference, I will introduce speakers and chair the session.
Panelist, SoCal Graduate Pathways to STEM Conference, University of Southern California April 2023
The SoCal GPS conference is curated by grad students for grad students to promote a higher education pipeline and a pathway toward success in STEM fields by inspiring the next generation of leading innovators and scientists. I served on a panel discussion and shared testimonials about what, why, when, and how to pursue a graduate degree.
Lunch with a Professor, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, UCLA March 2023
The UCLA Student Chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers provides resources and support to Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering students, helping them succeed academically and advance professionally. The organization hosts an annual “Lunch with a Professor” series to facilitate conversation and provide students with insights into academic research opportunities, graduate school, and industry experiences.
Review Panel Participant, University of California PPFP January 2023, January 2024
The University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPFP) encourage outstanding women and minority Ph.D. recipients to pursue academic careers at the University of California. The current program offers postdoctoral research fellowships, professional development and faculty mentoring to outstanding scholars in all fields whose research, teaching, and service will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity within the UC system. I was responsible for reviewing several applications based on my expertise and providing an unbiased score.
Faculty Lunch, National Society of Black Engineers, UCLA November 2022, October 2023, October 2024
The UCLA Student Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers aims to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. The organization hosted a Faculty Lunch as an opportunity for students to faculty members to get to know students.
Scholarship Reviewer, Graduate Society of Women Engineers, UCLA April 2022
UCLA’s graduate society of women engineers provides scholarships for students based on support, inspiration, and empowerment. I was responsible for reviewing 50 applications, providing an unbiased review, and providing 3 semi-finalists for each scholarship.
Panelist, Graduate Society of Women Engineers, UCLA March 2022
In recognition of International Women’s Day, UCLA’s graduate society of women engineers hosted a panel for women considering careers in engineers. The discussion centered around the journeys of panelists through graduate school and beyond and insights into opportunities for growth, experiences and struggles faced by scientists in the field.
Graduate Student Faculty Meeting Rep., Miami University August 2019 – June 2020
As a Graduate Student Representative, I am responsible for attending weekly meetings, ensuring necessary communication between graduate students and faculty members, and delegating departmental seminars duties fairly amongst graduate students.
Future Faculty Workshop Participant, Princeton University August 2019
Workshop series designed to provide mentorship to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows aspiring to become independent academic researchers in areas of soft materials and biomaterials.
Panelist and Facilitator, CIQS Day, Miami University January 2019
Careers Involving Quantitative Skills (CIQS) Day is a program that invited young women (grades 9-12) to explore prospective fields and majors in STEM-based programs. I served as a panelist in the opening session and facilitator in the chemistry laboratory experiment, “It’s A Good Hair Day with Chemistry.”
Academic Excellence Subcommittee Rep., Miami University 2018 – 2019
Graduate student representative for this subcommittee of the strategic planning committee charged with examining gaps in the university’s current offerings and recommending processes to modify curriculum.
Presenter and Facilitator, Science Week, Miami University May 2017, 2018, 2019
Science Week is an annual event, welcoming local elementary school students to various STEM departments across campus. I have served as a facilitator and presenter for 3rd and 4th grade students, allowing the students to safely conduct exciting chemistry experiments while communicating the chemistry concepts behind the experiments.
Certificate of College Teaching, Miami University 2017 – 2020
Series of coursework and projects to allow graduate students to develop pedagogical knowledge and understand best teaching practices by discipline. While pursing the certificate, I have developed instructional material for students joining biochemistry research labs that breaks down the science behind fundamental procedures.