Post-translational modification proteomics in 4D

Spatial organization and temporal dynamics are essential properties of cellular signaling. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) to proteins relay biological signals by exerting precise spatiotemporal control over protein function, localization, and lifetime. A systems-level experimental map of post-translationally modified proteins across subcellular space and time would transform our understanding of how PTMs orchestrate complex cellular functions in response to biological stimuli. However, such a map is inaccessible with current technologies.

Learning from Lab Accidents and the Principles of Safe Research

Every laboratory researcher must continuously address a key question: What makes the laboratory safe and how can safety outcomes be improved? Laboratory safety is a clear and common goal whether one is a researcher, supervisor, principal investigator or EH&S professional, but the approaches vary. This presentation will examine actions by researchers that improve safety and reduce accidents in laboratories. Recent cases of laboratory accidents in universities will be discussed in the context of ten principles of safe research that can serve as a guide for planning safer experiments.

Innovative Approaches towards Clean, Sustainable, and Affordable Catalysis: Exploring the Rational Design of Molecular Catalysts

Abstract: The development of alternative energy sources beyond fossil fuels relies on the activation of small molecules (e.g., H2, O2, CH4) through multi-electron, multi-proton reaction sequences. However, these processes face high kinetic barriers, requiring catalysts capable of mediating multi-electron reactivity.

Urban Air Quality in the Anthropocene

Abstract: Urban air quality in the U.S. has generally been improving for many decades. Decreasing emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and anthropogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have caused decreases in ozone concentrations, albeit in a highly non-linear fashion. In this seminar, I will present results from a summer 2022 study in the LA basin. We observed lower VOC emissions than during previous studies. However, concentrations of secondary pollutants had not decreased, indicative of changes in the NOx-VOC regime.

Organic Syntheses Lecture: Synthesis Through C–C Bond Scission

Abstract: The topic of this talk is the radical chemistry based on C–C bond scission. The presentation will begin with another area of research endeavors in my group—phosphorus organocatalysis. It then will present how our need to create chiral phosphines, CarvoPhos, of particular configuration inspired our invention of a series of new reactions based on C–C bond cleavage. To be specific, we have implemented one-pot processes to ozonize alkenes into α-methoxyhydroperoxides, for subsequent Fe(II)-mediated reductive fragmentations that yield alkyl radical intermediates.

How does interfacial tension affect droplet nucleation and melting point depression in nanoparticles?

Interfacial tension controls many important nanoparticle physicochemical properties. As the particle diameter decreases the vapor pressure over a curved particle increases and the melting point decreases. This, in turn, influences phase transitions (nucleation of new particles, deliquescence and efflorescence, ice nucleation, and cloud droplet nucleation), the degree to which particles take up water at elevated relative humidity, and the tendency of particles to evaporate. Current theories are based on Gibbs’ thermodynamics, which yield the Kelvin equation and Gibbs-Thomson equation.

Catalytic strategies for the selective construction of sp3-rich organic scaffold

Abstract: The topological complexity of sp3-rich scaffolds imparts specific beneficial properties into organic small molecules and enables refined tuning of a molecule’s properties. However, this complexity amplifies both reactivity and selectivity challenges, making the development of versatile methods to construct and diversify these structures difficult. By combining fundamental advances in transition metal catalysis with organic synthesis, we aim to discover new reactions to solve unmet challenges in the construction of functional sp3-rich organic scaffolds.