Our research is centered on the first-principles calculation of reaction rate constants. Of particular interest are the treatments of vibrational anharmonicity and quantum-mechanical tunneling. The focus of our research attempts to provide the basic biochemical information needed to apply the currently available tools of biotechnology to produce modified vegetable oils. To that end we are currently studying the biochemistry and molecular biology of the initial reactions of fatty acid synthesis. The research in my laboratory is focused upon the utilization of magnetic resonance spectroscopy to investigate the structural and dynamic properties of membrane-bound proteins and peptides and their interactions within the lipid bilayer.
Research involves studies on the developmental regulation of pollen formation.
Our research focuses on the elucidation of unusual organic reaction mechanisms. Specifically, we are interested in alkyne biosynthesis in plants and fungi, which provides chemical diversity in plant oils. Students may be exposed to a variety of techniques including synthesis, kinetic studies, molecular biology and enzymology. Work involves the characterization of the aqueous solution chemistry of carcinogens, toxins, and other biologically active small molecules. Research is focused on the study of protein-protein interactions as an approach to developing epidermal growth factor antagonists of tumor cell growth.