My research focuses on computational methods for improving drug discovery. I was formally trained as a computer scientist and made a transition from applied defense research to the biomedical arena in a series of Bay Area startups.
My research seeks to invent approaches to engineer new biological functions at multiple scales, ranging from atomic details to macromolecular machines to cellular processes. By building new functions through a combination of computational design and experimental engineering, I also hope to learn how molecular design principles shape systems-level properties and, ultimately, organismal fitness.
Research in my lab focuses on atomic-level mechanisms of protein regulation, protein-ligand interactions, and computer-aided drug design. My approach is to employ physics-based energy models for predictive protein modeling. Projects in my lab combine algorithm development and biological applications.
I am interested in the structure, function, and evolution of proteins and their assemblies. As Associate Dean of Research, I advise the dean and School leaders on research issues and opportunities and represent the School to campus research decision makers and on research-related campus committees.
