DECODING THE CHEMICAL LANGUAGE OF STRESS

How does the environment change our DNA and RNA?  We explore the chemical signatures left on nucleic acids by oxidative stress and inflammation in biology. By working at the intersection of chemistry, toxicology, and redox biology, we investigate how these modifications shape the boundary between health and disease.  We are the molecular detectives that don’t just observe stress, we interrogate it using:

• Nanopore Sequencing: Real-time detection of chemical modifications.
• Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry: High-resolution mapping of molecular damage.
• Biological Chemistry: Breaking down the "how" and "why" of cellular reactivity.

Whether it’s studying the toxicological impact of Great Salt Lake microparticles, the reactivity of nanoparticles, or pathogen encounters with host cells, we provide students with the multidisciplinary toolkit needed to solve the next generation of biological puzzles.

Join us as we bridge the gap between benchtop chemistry and human health.

EDUCATION:

Ph.D.'09 in Biological Chemistry, Dept. of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, Advisor: Professor Cynthia J. Burrows

B.S.'04 in Biochemistry, Adams State College, Alamosa, CO

B.S.'02 in Cell & Molecular Biology, Adams State College, Alamosa, CO

AWARDS:

2017 - W.W. Epstein Outstanding Educator Award, Dept. of Chemistry, University of Utah

2006 - Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant, Dept. of Chemistry, University of Utah

2002 - President’s Honor Roll, Mesa State College, Grand Junction, CO

1998 - Vice President’s Honor Roll, Adams State College, Alamosa, CO

1992 - Eagle Scout