Project 1: Molecular motors are proteins which do mechanical work in cells. They are the locomotives of the cell's transportation system; the tracks are actin fibers or microtubule and; the fuel is ATP. For example, molecular motors are key players in the separation of chromosomes during cell division. They also transport vesicles at velocities of about 1 micrometer/s within cells. We are optical microscopic imaging to determine the velocity of a motor or its load in cells or in solution. We're using magnetic beads or viscous drag to slow the motors down. If you're interested in doing 2-5 hours/week of research in this area, send me email. The Research section of my webpage gives more details. With a little luck, your undergrad research will lead to a publication. lead to a publication.

Project 2. Tracking objects like microtobules or motor proteins in cells is a challenge. Currently, we can track these objects by attaching a fluorescent tag to them and collecting movies with a video microscope. This project would involve preparing fluorescent microtubules or kinesin and measuring the location of the fluorescent moleculat. Currently, our best precision is +/- 30 nm, about 1/10th the wavelength of light, . If you're interested in how this is done and improving it further, send me an email.