Douglas Lab

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Eastern Oregon University, 2007

MSU Graduate Student in Biochemistry
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My research focuses on the chemical and genetic engineering of the small heat shock protein (sHsp) 16.5 from Methanococcus jannaschii. (above)  Recent experiments in collaboration with Dr. Allen Harmsen’s group in veterinary molecular biology have shown that administration of the sHsp cage can illicit mucosal immune responses (iBALT) that offer protection against respiratory viruses.  I'm interested in exploring and manipulating the bio-physical properties of the sHsp protein cage, and utilizing this knowledge to develop protein cages that offer enhanced protection to viral challenge.
 

I am interested in the use of protein cage architectures as scaffolds for the controlled synthesis of catalytic nanomaterials.