Research

Investigating the Role of Rho1-Specific Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor Pura in s-LNv Plasticity

During my rotation in the Blau Lab, I studied how RhoI GTPase controls Drosophila clock neuron plasticity. I used behavioral assays, immunostaining, and confocal microscopy to investigate how Pura, a guanine exchange factor for RhoI, affects neuron plasticity and, consequently, fly rhythmicity. I then screened for a GTPase-activating protein involved in the same pathway.

November, 2024 - Jan, 2025

The mechanism of teichoic acids in peptidoglycan homeostasis

Gram-positive bacteria like Bacillus Subtilis, have a cell wall made of peptidoglycan and wall teichoic acids. My goal is to understand how wall teichoic acids control peptidoglycan biosynthesis and hydrolysis.

October, 2021 - May, 2024

Studies on Physiological Functions of One Peptidoglycan Amidase in Shewanella Oneidensis

Shewanella oneidensis is known for its ability to survive heavy metal contamination. My main interest is to understand the function and localization of the only peptidoglycan amidase and its two activation factors in Shewanella oneidensis.

December, 2018 - June, 2019

Light-controlled Genetic Engineered Machine for Degrading Antibiotic Resistance Genes (iGEM gold medal)

Antibiotic pollution has become an industrial problem globally. My team built a de novo light-controlled CRISPR/Cas9 system that allows for resistance gene elimination. The project won a gold medal in the 2018 International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition in Boston.

January, 2018 - November, 2018

Deletion of PBP1a/LpoA Complex Compromises Cell Envelope Integrity in Shewanella Oneidensis

Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 shows natural resistance to some beta-lactam antibiotics. My research investigated the distinct role of the peptidoglycan synthesis enzyme complex PBP1a/LpoA in cell envelope integrity.

June, 2016 - December, 2017