We work at the interface of biological, inorganic, and materials chemistry/engineering to study protein-protein interactions and develop new catalysts and therapeutics. Specifically, we are interested in the production and modification of inorganic materials by facultative anaerobes (Shewanella and Geobacter) and whether these organisms can be used to direct the formation of new materials with specific properties. Ultimately, we aim to develop a system where materials are "evolved" and selected for a specific task, such as a catalytic reaction.
My goal is for undergraduates to become independent researchers. We try to avoid busywork as much as possible and train students to eventually design and execute their own experiments. Undergraduates are typically trained and supervised by a graduate student or postdoctoral scholar. I typically request a year commitment from undergraduates and ask them to aim for approximately 10 hours a week (on average) in the lab.
