Seminars

Blake Hill PhD. Abstract Rationale: Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of several factors that drives the development of vascular endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). In endothelial cells from T2DM patients, mitochondrial networks are highly fragmented, with increased expression of mitochondrial fission protein 1 (Fis1). However, whether manipulation of Fis1...

Scott Reed, PhD. Abstract There are challenges and opportunities for integrating generative AI into research, teaching, and learning. Let’s discuss the pros and cons. I plan to describe some of the technology behind AI and some research I am doing on how to improve the accuracy of how AI handles...

Aaron K. Apawu, PhD Abstract Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that play a crucial role in neuronal communication. Specifically, dopamine has been implicated in movement, learning, memory, emotions, reward related behaviors and several neurological disorders, including addiction, Schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s disease. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that dopamine’s role goes...

Gang Wu, Ph.D. Abstract Most chemists would agree that NMR has become an indispensable tool in chemical science. However, all successful NMR applications to date have relied on the detection of atomic nuclei with the smallest non-zero nuclear spin number (I = 1/2) (i.e., 1H, 13C, 15N, and 31P). Any...

T. Daniel Crawford, Ph.D. Abstract The determination of the handedness of chiral compounds remains a fascinating and critical challenge. Quantum chemical models have the potential to provide experimentalists with robust predictions of the requisite spectroscopic signatures, such as specific rotation, circular dichroism rotatory strengths, Raman scattering circular intensity differences, and...

Bonnie Buss, Ph.D. Abstract Photoredox catalysis, a relatively recent advancement in photochemistry, has emerged as a powerful tool in the synthetic chemistry toolbox due to reaction selectivity, benign conditions, and ease of implementation. Early developments in the field primarily relied on rare-earth metal catalysts, such as Ruthenium and Iridium complexes...

Colin T. Shearn, Ph.D. Abstract The interface between nutrition and circadian health is complex and multifaceted with the type of nutrition, the route and timing of intake playing significant roles. In this talk I will present our most recent findings that explore how intravenous (parenteral) nutrition desynchronizes normal circadian signaling...

Katharine Kelsey, Ph.D. Abstract Climate change is driving significant alterations in biogeochemical processes, with some of the most rapid changes occurring at high latitudes. In this talk, I will present findings from two studies that explore how different aspects of climate change—including rising temperatures, changing animal behaviors, and sea level...

Xuedong Liu, Ph.D. Abstract Intercellular communication occurs in various forms, enabling cells to coordinate complex biological processes essential for organismal function and homeostasis. Understanding these diverse communication pathways provides critical insights into cellular behavior and offers opportunities for therapeutic innovation. Our research focuses on how mammalian cells exchange genetic information...