University of Maryland Global Campus (2020 - 2021)
Impact of adding adaptive software to high enrollment, low success general education courses
University of Maryland, University College (2013 - 2017)
Lead a research program to determine the microbial community structure and dynamics in the Bonneville Salt Flats.
This is collaboration between three PIs at three Universities - UMUC, Univ. of Utah, Westminster Univ.
Using a culture dependent and culture independent route.
de novo protein folding
Using artificial intelligence-based algorithms to determine optimal folding for proteins
Developing complexity measurement (Ouroboros Complexity Measurement) for folded proteins
University of Alabama at Birmingham (2010 - 2013)
Founded and directed a research laboratory focused on characterizing the molecular underpinnings of how organisms are able to adapt to their unique environmental niche. The four main projects in my laboratory were as follows:
(1) characterizing the unique transcriptional regulation mechanism of the Domain Archaea
Determined the mechanism of pairing of Tbps and Tfbs responsible for the regulation of specific gene groups
Determined start sites for the genes of Halobacterium sp. NRC-1
Utilized next generation sequencing (Illumina platform)
(2) Determined the differences in transcriptomes (optimal vs. environmental stress) in three model halophilic microorganisms
Discovered new mechanisms of adaptation to environmental stresses
Designed custom microarray platforms (Agilent-based)
Data was processed using Perl scripts to perform statistical analyses
(3) Identification/characterization of industrially relevant extremophilic enzymes
Overexpress/purify and characterize proteins from multiple organisms
Optimize assays to determine the activity of extremophilic enzymes
Generate new biochemical assays for extremophilic microorganisms and their enzymes/proteins
(4) Generate the first genetic system for a psychrophilic halophile (Halorubrum lacusprofundi)
Necessitated a thorough analysis of microarray and next-generation sequencing data to determine appropriate promoter sequences for expression vectors.
Generated new genetic tools- shuttle vectors
Organized and directed two inter-organization/university research programs:
(1) Study the population and dynamics of the microbial life in the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah,
Involved three universities (UAB, University of Utah and Westminster University)
New halophilic organisms isolated
New halophilic organisms detected using PCR-based methods
(2) Study the impact of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico (North Florida)
Involved four universities (UAB, Auburn, Alabama State, and West Florida)
Screened wild-type and mutant algal strains to maximize the production of lipids.
Developed protocols for introducing carotenoid producing halophiles into sea urchin diet to maximize the color of roe
Center of Marine Biotechnology (2004 - 2010)
Characterized the mechanism of transcription initiation in the extreme halophilic archaea.
Used a genetic and transcriptomics approach
Led to the discovery of a novel mechanism of regulation at the level of transcription initiation, which is similar to the regulation see by alternative TBPs in Eukaryotic organisms
Developed and curated a Linux-based MySQL database of transcriptomic data
Designed the first microarray platform for two organisms.
Representative for the Center’s initiative to assess the ability of algae to produce lipids to be used as a biofuel feedstock and generate improved strains through mutational studies.
Assisted in writing of grant proposals,
Performed screens for improved lipid production
Mapped the replication origins in the genome of Halobacterium sp. NRC-1
Used a genetic and transcriptomic approach.
Discovered at least three new origins of replication
Identified and cataloged the core and pan genome of the Halobacteriaceae
Unified the annotation of all sequenced genomes from this family.
Cataloged the genes shared by all haloarchaea
Focused on understanding the minimal number of genes needed on information polymers to support life in high salt environments.
Assisted in the annotation of the genome of Halobacterium lacusprofundi
Done in conjunction with the Department of Energy’s Joint Genome Institute
Determine the underlying genetic mechanisms of the adaptation to varying levels of environmental stresses (salinity, temperature, and UV) in the haloarchaea
Used a transcriptomic approach
Functionally expressed target proteins in native photosynthetic halophilic microorganism.
The Pennsylvania State University (1998 - 2004)
Discovered and isolated novel enzymes for commercial use in dairy products or detergents.
Explored the structure and functional properties of the novel enzymes isolated.
Applied rational and selection-based approaches to optimize the activity of novel enzymes.
Functionally expressed target proteins in microorganisms.
Developed/optimized assays to test activities of the novel enzymes I discovered.
Member of the NASA Astrobiology Institute.
Oklahoma State University (1996 - 1998)
Understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for oxygenic photosynthesis.
Performed analyses, using biochemistry and molecular biology techniques, to understand the role of key proteins in the photosystem II complex.