Submitted by Krishna Niyogi on
The aim of our research is to understand energy transfer mechanisms in photosynthetic light-harvesting proteins in different photosynthetic organisms (green algae, mosses, and land plants). We use different techniques to understand physicochemical reactions in photosynthetic proteins (molecular biology, biochemistry, and spectroscopy). The goal of our research is also closely related to obtain valuable information for future bioenergy science.
The research apprentice will work initially with a graduate student or postdoc and will be given the opportunity to develop an independent project, with the possibility of continuing through the academic year and during the summer. Students can expect to gain experience with a variety of techniques such as molecular biology to modify protein structures, biochemistry to isolate and analyze photosynthetic proteins, and spectroscopy to analyze energy transfer within the proteins.
Minimum qualifications: Biology 1A or 1B (may be taken concurrently), 3.0 GPA, and interest in genetics. Hours are
negotiable, but a commitment of at least 12 hours per week is expected.