Research Interests
- Biochemical Engineering
- The role of DNA damage response in cancer prevention
- Biosensors for the enhanced detection of carcinogens
- Metabolic engineering of yeasts for increased ethanol production.
Projects
The recent proliferation of microarrays and other high throughput genomic screens
has greatly increased our understanding of how gene expression is modulated under
various cellular growth conditions. We are using these techniques to develop novel
methods of monitoring real-time gene expression to characterize the cellular microenvironment.
By monitoring gene expression changes within a cell, we can identify stresses present
in the local environment, such as nutrient depletion and mutagenicity. Additionally,
by modifying yeast gene expression patterns, we can improve metabolic performance
to enhance the biomanufacturing of ethanol and other commodity products.
Awards & Honors
- Dow Excellence-in-Teaching Award, 2021
- William A. Brookshire Award for Teaching Excellence, 2018
- Dow Excellence in Teaching Award, 2018
- TAF Undergraduate Teaching Award, 2017
- Dean's Instructor of Excellence "Student Choice Award," 2016
- Dow Excellence-in-Teaching Award, 2016
- Dean's Instructor of Excellence "Student Choice Award," 2015
- Dow Excellence-in-Teaching Award, 2015
- Dow Excellence-in-Teaching Award, 2014
- Dow Excellence-in-Teaching Award, 2013
- LSU Tiger Athletic Foundation Undergraduate Teaching Award, 2010
- Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award, Oak Ridge Associated Universities,
2009
- Pilot Funding for New Research (PFUND) Grant, Louisiana Experimental Program to Stimulate