Description of Research

The coupling of semiconductor quantum dots (QD) with anisotropic gold nanoparticles (AuNP) is of special interest because of the unique optical properties that the assembly exhibits, specifically induced transparency that results from Fano interference (intermediate coupling). Additionally, the theorized laser-induced “turn-on/off” optical properties of the AuNP-QD-AuNP assembly offer the prospect of application in quantum computing, ultra-small lasers, etc. Thus, in an initial stage, the synthesis of AuNP-QD nanoparticle dimer is essential to obtain a better understanding of these assemblies. Therefore, we propose a reaction scheme to functionalize gold nanobipyramids (AuBP) at their tips with an amine ligand, and to couple them with carboxylate-functionalized CdSe/CdS core-shell quantum dots to create the AuBP-QD dimer via amide bond linkage. Current research is being performed to increase the coupling yield, obtain better spatial control of the reaction, and isolate the novel nano-assemblies.

Description of Research

Congratulations, Monia, for winning 1st place in the 2022 G-RISE Three Minute Thesis competition !

Monia is working on developing 3D printed microfluidics and electrospinning technologies for generating analytical tools that can create 3D cell structures and dynamic environments to mimic the in vivo cell nature. She is specifically aiming to understand cellular behaviors of biofilms and macrophages involved in inflammation.

Description of Research

I am computationally investigating the possibility of fabrication of a specific class of two dimensional materials. These materials are promising candidates in a variety of applications such as energy storage and biomedical.

Kayry Segarra

Area of Doctoral Study: Chemistry
Undergraduate Institute: Stockton University

Research Advisor: William LaCourse, Ph.D.

Description of Research

Leopoldo Posada Escobar

Area of Doctoral Study: Chemistry
Undergraduate Institute: University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley

Research Advisor: Zeev Rosenzweig, Ph.D.

Description of Research

MXenes are a new class of two-dimensional nanomaterials, which are composed of alternating atomic layers of a single or a combination of early transition metals and carbide/nitride in a hexagonal crystal lattice. MXenes have a M_n+1X_nT_x chemical structure where M= early transition metal, X= C and/or N, T_x= surface terminations, and n= 1-4.  The MXene class of nanomaterials have been a prominent research focus since their discovery and some of the compositions exhibit outstanding physiochemical properties, which are comparable or better than other two-dimensional nanomaterials and other classes of materials. As such, MXenes have found use in various applications ranging from supercapacitors in energy storage devices to sensors in biomedical research. My research focuses on the synthesis, surface modification, and characterization of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene to obtain molecular level understanding of the chemical interactions of the surface-medium interface between MXene and various complex media; as well as biological substrates (i.e., model bacterial organisms like S. oneidensis and B. subtilis). Additionally, my research is focused on developing surface modifications that may help inhibit degradation pathways and improve the physiochemical properties of MXenes in these various media.

Description of Research

My research focuses on the post translational modification, arginylation. I will be studying how the enzyme arginyltransferase allows for this modification to occur.

Alexander Paredes

Area of Doctoral Study: Chemistry
Undergraduate Institute: Gettysburg College

Research Advisor: Aaron Smith, Ph.D.

Description of Research

I am working on a novel two-component signal transduction system, BqsS-BqsR, which has been seen to regulate biofilm formation/decay in Pseudomonas aeruginosa through extracellular ferrous iron binding.  The deletion of either protein gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa)results in a significant increase in biofilm formation. However, neither of these proteins have been structurally characterized, and the molecular-level details of how and to what extent either (or both) proteins interact with Fe²⁺ remains unknown. In my research, I am exploring the structural characterization, the protein structure, and the metal-binding capabilities of this two component system. I am also working on determining critical residues required for metal acquisition, and once I have determined the critical residues for metal binding and signal transduction, I will make mutations in Pa in order to determine the phenotypes of these mutations, especially the ability of this pathogen to form and/or to dissociate biofilms. With sufficient structural information, I will also test a suite of potential compounds that would be designed to target this specific two-component system, in order to aid in the attenuation of Pa virulence.

Description of Research

My research employs a technique called Fluorophore-Induced Plasmonic Current (FIPC) that uses chromophores found in nature like chlorophyll, beta-carotene, and lutein to convert sunlight into electricity.  I have demonstrated this technology with other compounds that are fluorescent for example fluorescein and Texas Red and with inexpensive metals like copper. My goal is to transfer our current understanding to other chromophores and make our system easy to manufacture, inexpensive to buy and maintain, and be able to withstand natural elements. To achieve this, I’ve explored methods such as annealing copper films to generate more current and improve film stability. I significantly increased current responses using gold colloids mixed with the fluorophore solutions. My next steps are to study surface coatings to ensure the longevity of the system and adopt algae for current generation further down the line.

Naba Krishna Das

Area of Doctoral Study: RNA Structural Biology, Biochemistry
Undergraduate Institute: Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (BS)
Graduate Institute: Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (MS)
Graduate Institute: Mississippi State University (MS)

Research Advisor: Deepak P. Koirala, Ph.D.

Description of Research

My research project focuses on elucidating high-resolution structural insights and their interactions with binding proteins of viral RNA domains associated with genome replication and cap-independent translation initiation in positive (+)-sense single-stranded (ss) RNA viruses, using synthetic antibodies to understand their functional roles. My projects involve the synthesis and purification of viral RNA constructs as well as the expression and purification of antibodies, particularly the Fab fragments, which are later used as crystallization chaperones. Additionally, it involves the characterization of Fab-RNA binding using various molecular biology, biochemical, and biophysical techniques, and setting up the crystallization trials. Once Fab-RNA crystals are obtained, diffraction data are collected at a national synchrotron facility, and suitable datasets are used to solve the high-resolution crystal structures. Specifically, I work with Enteroviruses such as Coxsackievirus, Rhinovirus, Poliovirus, and Enterovirus, focusing on domains important for viral replication and translation.

Description of Research

Fluorescent Semiconducting Polymer dots for Biological Applications

Description of Research

My current research area for my PhD program is RNA Structural Biology at the Koirala lab at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). More specifically, my projects aim to elucidate the tertiary structure of some essential RNA elements of clinically important viruses to understand their biological role during infection. In one project, I am working with are called IRES (Internal Ribosome Entry Sites) which are common to many prevalent and infectious RNA viruses, like- coxsackievirus, poliovirus, human rhinovirus, enterovirus 71, etc. High resolution 3D structures of these RNA elements will help us to understand the molecular-level interactions of these RNAs with host proteins and ultimately to develop more effective therapeutics or vaccines. I am developing a novel antibody-based RNA imaging system in live cells in a separate project. While antibody derivatives such as Fabs and scFvs targeting cells and proteins have revolutionized cellular protein and tissue imaging, analogous strategies are unavailable for RNA visualization. Our anti-RNA scFv probes offer enhanced flexibility by enabling the selection of target RNA-specific modules from a library of probes generated through the diversification of CDRs (Complementary Determining Regions). We envision that these innovative tools will open significant avenues for tracking RNA molecules, capturing their folding dynamics, discerning conformational changes, and elucidating their spatial distribution within living cells.

Description of Research

Characterizing the interactions between the HIV-1 Rev response element and the viral proteins Rev and Gag.

Karndeep Singh

Area of Doctoral Study: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Undergraduate Institute: University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)

Research Advisor: Michael Summers, Ph.D.

Description of Research

My primary thesis project investigates the underlying molecular mechanisms between 5′-capped RNAs of the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) RNA genome and a cellular cap binding protein, eIF4E, using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and biochemical techniques. One major difficulty of my project is the ability to synthesize and purify highly pure 5′-capped RNAs reliably in vivo. My team and I have developed a novel method using a DNA splint to successfully purify 5′-capped RNAs in the laboratory. After purifying the HIV-1 5′-capped RNAs, I have tested binding of the 5′-capped RNAs to eIF4E and have determined that HIV-1 RNA transcripts bind significantly tighter to the cap binding protein. Currently, I am working to solve the first structure of eIF4E interacting with a 5′-capped RNA using NMR spectroscopy. My findings suggest novel interactions of cap-dependent translational machinery with the monomeric HIV-1 RNA genome and could elucidate how the HIV-1 RNA genome manipulates endogenous translational machinery to ensure production of its own viral proteins. Throughout my graduate studies, I have had the honor to mentor and train nine undergraduate students and three high school students who have been instrumental to my development as a scientist and mentor but also instrumental to overcoming the challenges of my project.

Trisha De Jesus

Area of Doctoral Study: Chemistry
Undergraduate Institute: Salisbury University

Research Advisor: Katherine Seley-Radtke, Ph.D.

Description of Research

My research focuses on developing “fleximers” which are nucleoside analogs with a flexible scaffold that splits the purine ring into its imidazole and pyrimidine components through varying connections. These structural changes can aid in the drug design of antiviral therapeutics.