Discovery Corps Fellowship: S-layer Protein Assembly as a Case Study for the Science Chronicles; an Online View of the Scientific Process

康奈尔大学的亚伦·斯特里克兰是2007-2008和2008-2009学年的探索队博士后研究员。这项研究的目的是了解细菌表层（s层）蛋白质如何自组装成二维纳米级阵列。斯特里克兰德将利用这一自然过程，在金上绘制糖单分子层，以指导s层的重组。蛋白质与糖类结合的动力学将使用表面等离子体共振光谱进行研究，s层蛋白质结构的三维图像将通过原子力显微镜确定。这个研究项目将作为一个案例研究，向公众展示科学过程的复杂性。斯特里克兰博士将与“康科德联盟”合作，基于“分子工作台”创建开源软件，该软件将模拟与s层蛋白研究项目相关的分子事件。该软件将与“地球与天空”的合作者主持的网络播客捆绑在一起，该播客还将以一系列视频采访为特色，记录研究的演变，从假设的形成，到实验的评估，再到结论的传播。这个播客将作为“科学实验编年史”的试点发布，这是一个基于网络的渠道，将使公众能够跟踪科学研究的进展。该探索队高级奖学金由化学部和正式和非正式环境学习研究部（EHR/DRL）的非正式科学教育（ISE）计划提供支持。探索队奖学金计划寻求新的博士后和专业发展模式，将研究专长与专业服务相结合。探索队成员通过解决国家需要领域的项目利用他们的研究专长。他们的项目提高了研究能力和基础设施，有助于劳动力发展和创造就业机会。探索队项目同时支持博士后和高级研究员。

Aaron Strickland of Cornell University is a Discovery Corps Postdoctoral Fellow for the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 academic years. The research is targeted at understanding how bacterial surface-layer (S-layer) proteins self-assemble into two-dimensional, nanoscale arrays. Strickland will exploit this natural process by patterning saccharide monolayers on gold in order to direct S-layer reassembly. The kinetics of the binding between the proteins and the saccharides will be studied using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, and the three-dimensional image of the S-layer protein structures will be determined by atomic force microscopy. This research project will be used as a case study for presenting the complexity of the scientific process to the general public. In collaboration with the "Concord Consortium," Dr. Strickland will create open-source software, based on the "Molecular Workbench," which will simulate the molecular events relevant to the S-layer protein research project. This software will be tied into a web-based podcast hosted by collaborators at "Earth & Sky," which also will feature a series of video interviews that chronicle the evolution of the research from the formation of hypotheses, to the evaluation of experiments, to the dissemination of the conclusions. This podcast will be distributed as a pilot for the Chronicles of a Science Experiment, a web-based outlet that will enable the public to follow the progress of scientific research. This Discovery Corps Senior Fellowship is supported by the Division of Chemistry and the Informal Science Education (ISE) program of the Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (EHR/DRL). The Discovery Corps Fellowship Program seeks new postdoctoral and professional development models that combine research expertise with professional service. Discovery Corps Fellows leverage their research expertise through projects that address areas of national need. Their projects enhance research capacity and infrastructure and contribute to workforce development and job creation. The Discovery Corps Program supports both Postdoctoral Fellows and Senior Fellows.