Integrative analyses of the kinetochore and the spindle assembly checkpoint

摘要

Abstract My lab combines cell biology and biophysics to conduct integrative analyses of two complex cellular systems: the kinetochore, a protein machine that moves chromosomes during mitosis, and the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint (SAC), which is a cell cycle control. Even as we are making excellent progress on the stated aims of our project, I have started developing the next phase of this research that involves replacing components of the kinetochore protein machine with de novo designed proteins. For this exciting work, I recruited Mr. Martin Fernandez, a recent graduate from the Lehigh University. Martin works in my lab as a research technician, spending 60% of his time on active research involving benchwork, data analysis, and presentation, and the remaining 40% of the time on lab management duties. I have had the pleasure of working with Martin for over 6 months, and this experience makes it clear to me that: (a) Martin possesses the talent and dedication to emerge as a professional in the biomedical sciences, and (b) Martin has a passion for basic research and wants to ultimately join the academia. Based on my experience, I am confident that he will successfully apply for joining a graduate program in the coming year. Therefore, I want to maximize the impact of Martin’s work in my lab over his career by ensuring that: (a) he dedicates 100% of his time to research, and (b) he gets the full benefit of the mentorship and development resources that I can provide. For this reason, I, together with Martin, am applying for a diversity supplement to cover Martin’s efforts for 1 year. During this year, Martin will work essentially as a new graduate student in my lab and drive an exciting research project forward. He will learn cutting-edge experimental methods (negative-stain EM microscopy, single molecule imaging, etc.). He will also engage in professional development activities (learning to code using Python, networking with graduate students and faculty at my institution, presenting his work at the ASCB meeting, putting together a polished application for graduate school, etc.). I am confident that Martin will fully utilize the financial support and recognition that comes with this funding and start his career as a scientist in the near future.