Research in the Fisk Lab is focused in two broad areas: 1) quantitatively understanding bacterial protein translation with the technological goal of expanding the genetic code to utilize s 21 or more amino acids and 2) quantitatively understanding the life cycle of the M13 bacteriophage in order to engineer the virus as a nanoscale platform for molecular diagnostics and as a programmable protein material. Much more information about our research interests, our latest news, and our recent publications can be found on our lab website.
The work that we do in the lab is directed at harnessing and exploiting Nature’s amazing synthetic and self-assembly abilities to expand the potential chemistry of proteins, to generate new tools for understanding biology, and to create new materials and assemblies with technological utility. We are motivated both by a deep scientific interest in understanding how complex sets of chemical interactions give rise to self-regulating biological systems and a desire to develop biomedical applications. We are an interdisciplinary laboratory working in the exciting fields of chemical and synthetic biology. Different project in the lab apply the tools of organic chemistry to generate new amino acids and modify protein assemblies, apply the tools of molecular biology to produce and evolve protein assemblies, apply the tools of biophysical chemistry to understand these systems at the molecular level, and ultimately build nanoscale devices.
If any of our research piques your interest, please send us an email or stop by Prof. Fisk’s office to say hello!
Dr. Lee has a long-standing interest in the field of Nanomedicine for the clinical use in a wide range of topics in drug delivery systems, biomaterials, tissue engineering and molecular imaging. This includes polymeric nanoparticles, organic probes and macroscopic devices for the application to the human health and disease. His research background is multidisciplinary with training in organic chemistry, biophysics and nanotechnology.
Professor Reed's research interests include synthesis, nanoscience, pharmacogenomics, and green chemistry. Students research opportunities are currently available that involve computational chemistry, big data, pharmacogenomics, and the programming of chemoinformatics and bioinformatics tools. Prior experience in these areas is not required. Students with a knowledge of chemistry, biology, or programming can find opportunities that build on what they already know and push them in new directions. Contact Prof. Reed by email at scott.reed@ucdenver.edu for more information.
We have various interests in our group and all derive from structure-function relationships in RNA.
We are always looking for motivated individuals that are interested in getting involved in this exciting enterprise. The interdisciplinary nature of the projects will provide a strong foundation for students and professionals with various interests and goals. Contact Prof. Resendiz if you are interested or have any questions about how to get involved.
The Liu Group
The X. Wang Group
Designing Molecules and Understanding Catalysis.
We use computational methods to (1) design novel organometallic and coordination compounds and (2) study the mechanisms of important reactions, particularly transition metal-catalyzed organic transformations. Our research addresses the experimental–theoretical synergy and provides ideas and insights that will aid in the work of experimentalists. Interested undergraduate or graduate students should email Dr. Wang.
