Tucson, Arizona, United States
Experienced scientist with a demonstrated history of success in higher education. Professional background in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Biology, Molecular Life Sciences and Pedagogy. Devoted teacher and mentor engaged in professional development for students and faculty, and institutional transformation. Demonstrated commitment to issues related to improving diversity and inclusion in STEM and higher education.
One major project that we have been working on is the Career Tracking of PhD Alumni - Developed methodology to track our PhD alumni over a 15 year window to better understand the career trajectories of the students who received their PhDs from WSU from 1999-2014. We found almost 90% of our PhD alumni from this window. Data on these careers can be found on the WSU Graduate School website under the Graduate Data Dashboard link.
My research group is interested in RNAs and proteins that undergo significant structural changes as part of their biological function. About half of the lab works on non-coding and regulatory RNAs that mediate post-transcriptional gene regulation, often with the help of the RNA-binding protein hfq. We are pursuing a molecular understanding of how this gene regulation works. The other half of the laboratory works on bacterial toxins from Clostridium difficile, the organism that causes antibiotic associated diarrhea. In the classroom, I teach undergraduate and graduate biochemistry courses. Most recently, I have taught CHM5600, a 1-term undergraduate biochemistry course and CHM8690, a graduate seminar on Regulatory RNAs. I use personal response systems in the classroom and have integrated bioinformatics and 3-D molecular visualization into the curriculum to generate a deeper understanding of biological macromolecules and to actively engage students with the material.
Work with the CEO, the President, the Director of Business Development and the Board of Directors to provide guidance and make decision on budgetary and financial matters pertaining to the RNA Society's interests, including its journal RNA, the annual RNA Society Meeting and Society Membership; responsible for decisions regarding investment of Society funds to ensure the financial security of the Society.