Experiences at University of Missouri - Coumbia

Proficiency in SAS

good work will get good reward

good equipment for biochemistry study; good boss to work for, nice colleague to work with

making matrx metalloprteinases MMP3 and MMP12, which were thought unstable and less soluble, and therefore, their structure determination is impractical.

developing new methods to express and purify most difficuit proteins, and solubilize and stabilize them.

1. Developed and optimized protocols for expressing and purifying transcription factor E2F1, transmembrane proteins BRI1 and BAK1, matrix matelloproteinases MMP3 and MMP12, kinase-interacting FHA domain KI-FHA. Utilized gel filtration, GST-tag and ion exchange columns for purification and refolding on column. Characterized them by SDS-PAGE and Western blots, and measured protein concentrations for further studies. For MMPs, assayed their activity by fluorescence spectroscopy after refolding from inclusion bodies.

2. Conducted biological and biophysical characterization of BRI1, BAK1, E2F, KI-FHA, MMP3, and MMP12 by CD, HPLC, light scattering, fluorescence spectroscopy and NMR.

3. Studied the protein-protein and drug-protein interactions of BRI1 and KI-FHA, E2F1 and DnaJ-like domain of murine polyomavirus tumor antigens PyJ, and anticancer epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and its target proteins MMP3 and 12 by NMR, ITC and fluorescence spectroscopy.

4. Constructed vectors with genes for BRI1, BAK1, and E2F1 (Novagen pET and Amersham pGEX vectors).

5. Supervised students in the laboratory, documented experimental data and various protocols, and wrote papers for publication and applications for research grants....

solid background and high technique skills

When choosing to attend UMC I certainly planned to walk away with a degree (BFA). But in addition I wanted a new experience. I thought attending college where I had never been and where I knew no one would only make me a more well-rounded individual. I wanted to develop independantly as well force myself to seek out new experiences/information/people. What better place then a university to find all three. It was at times a difficult experience, but an invaluable one that has broadened my experiences both directly and indirectly. It has led me to learn many things as well as make the acquantance of many phenomenal people....

I completed major coursework in Spanish as well as Women and Gender Studies. I took courses in Self Defense, Playwrighting, and Domestic Violence.

I majored in Hotel/Restaurant Management with a minor in General Business. My course work was geared toward the management of businesses that could be applied in many sectors.