My name is Kevin Harlen. I am a senior at Montana State University and will be graduating this spring with a degree in cell biology and neuroscience. I have been doing reseach with Dr. Trevor Douglas for the past three years now. The focus of my research has been on the modification and mineralzation of proteins in an attempt to photo-actively create hydrogen gas. I am also very involved in the science outreach that is done by the Douglas group. My outreach involvement includes many local events here in Bozeman as well as events on the Crow Reservation. I will also be part of an outreach group traveling to South Africa in an effot to extend our science outreach programs beyond Montana.
Research
My research has focused on the modification and mineralization of ferritin proteins in an effort to create hydrogen gas. Cage-like proteins can be used as self-containing reaction vessels in which chemical reactions can take place in a sequestered environment. This allows reactions to be contained and controlled within the interior of the protein. However, some reactions require electrons to passed into and out of the protein, a process that can require energy in the form of an electric potential. This can be difficult becuase the protein shell can inhibit electron transfer. To allow the electrons to pass unhindered across the protein shell an electron shuttle could be inserted into the protein. An electron shuttle is a complex that can facilitate the transfer of electrons across the protein shell using little energy. My work thus far has focused on the insertion of these electron shuttles into protein cages.
Outreach
I have been involved in many local outreach events in Bozeman, MT including, Science Saturdays, Frankenscience, Shadow a Chemistry Major for a Day, NanoDays, and Peaks and Potentials. I have also been involved with an outreach project on the Crow Researvation. This December I will be part of a group traveling to South Africa to join up with Stellenbosch University in an effort to promote science outreach in and around Cape Town, South Africa.
Awards
Beckman Scholar (2008-2009)
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholar (2009)
