Traditionally, most of what BBER does is collect and disseminate various economic indicators for the Michiana area. I can easily extend this activity to include queries from undergraduates interested in possible research projects. Chemistry Dr. Gretchen Anderson Dr. Anderson is interested in the biochemistry of metalloproteins and their role in the detoxification of heavy metals in the environment. She is currently investigating the structure and function of arsenite oxidase, a bacterial enzyme capable of detoxifying arsenite by oxidation to the less toxic arsenate form. Current projects involve cloning and sequencing the gene for arsenite oxidase, the determination of the structure of the molybdopterin cofactor, and studying the process of electron transfer between arsenite and the arsenite oxidase enzyme.
Grant money is usually available for a limited number of students for full time summer research.
Research opportunities are also availale during the academic year, and the projects will be designed to work around students' schedules. However, course credit is not required. Prerequisites are C105 and C106. We may be able to set up some course credits, if the project is appropriate. I am currently working on a couple of articles.