CAREER: RNA Folding Dynamics by Single Molecule Temperature Jump Kinetics

在这个职业奖项中，韦恩州立大学的David Rueda教授和他的研究生和本科生将开发基于单分子荧光检测和激光诱导温度跳跃(T-JUMP)热变性相结合的新技术，以研究RNA分子结构的动力学。这项研究的目的是了解单个RNA分子的功能和结构异质性如何影响具有生物重要性的RNA的结构-功能关系，并在此基础上建立一套物理和化学规则来设计具有有用应用的RNA。除了他的研究活动，Rueda教授还将通过韦恩州立大学教育部和少数族裔学生倡议办公室，与底特律以非裔美国人为主的学区的高中教师合作。这项工作的大部分将集中在为高中理科教师开发暑期研究计划。该项目旨在通过为高中科学教师提供在现代实验室的第一手经验，填补他们在继续教育计划中的一个重要空白。还将通过积极支持研究型实验室的研究生、本科生和高中生培养，实现研究和教育的融合。

In this CAREER award, Prof. David Rueda of Wayne State University and his graduate and undergraduate research students will develop new technology based on the combination of single molecule fluorescence detection with laser induced temperature jump (T-jump) thermal denaturation to study the structural dynamics of RNA molecules. The goal of the research is to understand how functional and structural heterogeneity in single RNA molecules affect the structure-function relationship in biologically important RNAs, as well as to establish a set of physical and chemical rules based upon this knowledge to engineer RNAs with useful applications. In addition to his research activities, Prof. Rueda will work with high school teachers in the predominantly African-American Detroit School District, through the Wayne State University Department of Education and the Office of Minority Student Initiatives. The bulk of this effort will be focused on developing a summer research program for high school science teachers. This project aims at filling an important gap in the continuous education program of high school science teachers by providing them with first hand experiences in a modern laboratory. Integration of research and education will also be achieved by actively supporting graduate, undergraduate and high school student training in the research laboratory.