Latest articles from the blog
About me
I am a physicist who uses computational modeling to solve biological problems. My current focus is on genomics, specifically studying problems associated with DNA synthesis in the Nieduszynski group at the Earlham Institute. Using nanopore sequencing, I try to identify hotspots of genome instability.
Before I came to the Earlham Institute, I worked on the mechanisms involved in cell division and in neurotransmission at Columbia University in New York, where I received my Ph.D. and completed a postdoctoral stint.
When I'm not in the office, I love staying active. I enjoy cycling, both for the exercise and the opportunity to explore new areas. I'm also an avid chess player, and I relish the mental challenge. In addition, I have a passion for coding, and for using my skills to build new tools.
Photo by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash
Latest projects
Genome instability
I use computational tools on long-read sequences obtained by nanopore sequencing to study problems in DNA synthesis. These are hotspots of genome instability which may lead to cancer or confer evolutionary advantages. Photo by Braňo on Unsplash
Cell division
I studied the mechanics of cell division by analyzing the cytokinetic contractile ring, whose force production is due to actin and myosin proteins. I aimed to understand how the ring maintains stability, produces force, and affects the cell wall in cell-wall enclosed organisms.
Neurotransmission
Neurons communicate with each other by releasing neurotransmitter molecules from membrane-bound compartments called vesicles, which fuse with the neuron's membrane. I focused on the role of SNARE proteins, which organize at the fusion site and create the necessary forces for membrane fusion. Viruses such as the coronavirus possess proteins similar to the SNAREs on their surface and may utilize similar mechanisms to enter cells.
Black or White?
Do you have what it takes to beat the ultimate chess challenge? In this game I developed, you'll be given a position and have to decide whether black or white is better. The game features positions from real matches between players of all skill levels on chess.com. Photo by Hassan Pasha on Unsplash
