Bioluminescent enzymes are ubiquitous in sea life, and are hugely useful in biotechnology. We are developing new ways to use these enzymes to measure interactions in and between our cells. Because these enzymes emit light as a result of a chemical reaction, they enable us to detect cellular events with high sensitivity.
We are interested in making these probes brighter and more versatile. Currently, we are engineering new bioluminescent enzymes for multiplexed bioluminescence imaging in live mice.
This project is currently funded by an NIH R15 AREA grant.
We believe in working smarter, not harder, so we are developing new ways to evolve new bioluminescent tools.
Currently, we are interested in optical control of antibiotic resistance. We have developed protein-based sensors that tie survival of bacterial cells to the presence of blue light. This will allow us to evolve brighter bioluminescent probes because only the brightest mutants will survive.
We are working on an NSF grant for this research project.
We are also applying our expertise in protein engineering to evolve new enzymes to degrade polyfluorinated environmental contaminants. PFOS and related molecules are ubiquitous in our environment, and are detrimental to human health. We are evolving a cocktail of new enzymes to degrade these molecules directly in the soil. This project is in collaboration with the Schroer Lab at Missouri S&T.
We have submitted an NSF grant for this research project.
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Studying Integrated Sciences and Economics. Currently on the pre health track and is interested in public health and medicine. In her free time, she enjoys baking, scrapbooking, and reading.
Current Project: Evolving brighter bioluminescent enzymes
Studying Molecular Biology and Data Science with an interest in pursuing a PhD before eventually returning to Cambodia. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, music, and board/card games.
Current Project: Evolving brighter bioluminescent enzymes
Colin is interested in tinkering with bioluminescent enzymes, directed evolution, and data science. He likes video games, board games, coffee, and the outdoors.
Current Project: Setting up the lab at CMC.
Majoring in Chemistry and Studio Art. Planning to earn a Ph.D. in Chemistry, and hopefully go abroad. Enjoys DnD, drawing, and dark chocolate.
Current Project: Evolving new bioluminescent proteins
Studying Biochemistry Molecular Biology and Dance. After graduation, Juli wants to apply to an MD program to pursue a career in dermatology. She is also interested in obtaining a Ph.D. She enjoys dancing, yoga, reading, and being outside by the sun.
Current Project: Evolving new bioluminescent proteins
Majoring in Chemistry and Data Science. Interested in organic synthesis and smelling fragrance. Intends to pursue a job in the perfume industry.
Current Project: Synthesis of Peptide-Fluorophore Conjugates
Studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Spanish (minor). After graduation, Roberta wants to get a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Science. Her hobbies include picking up a new instrument/language every few months with no intention of committing to them.
Current Project: Directed evolution of orthogonal NanoBits
Major in chemistry at Dickinson College. Currently she is pursuing her PhD in chemistry at Virginia Tech. In her free time she enjoys reading and hiking.
Current Project: NanoBit BRET with small-molecule fluorophores
Chemistry and neuroscience major, Chinese minor at Dickinson. Currently she is pursuing her Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience at U Penn. Stephanie is interested in applying chemical biology techniques to study learning and memory. Enjoys playing board games, photography, and crafting.
Current Project: New tools for optical control of bacterial resistance
Abby graduated Dickinson College in 2022 and is from Charlotte, NC. She is currently a Predoctoral Research Associate at Adimab, LLC. In her free time she enjoys whitewater kayaking and climbing!
Current Project: Engineering orthogonal SmBiTsApplications for the current recruiting cycle have now closed.
We will be accepting applications from all students within the 5C consortium in Fall 2025. Feel free to email Prof Rathbun here with any questions.
