Mentor Areas
Organic Chemistry, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Photopharmacology
Description:
Neuroscience is one of the most exciting fields of research today and synthetic chemistry can contribute much to its growth. Our current focus lies on the functional manipulation of ion channels, GPCRs, and transporters with synthetic photoswitches, usually azobenzenes. The artificial photoreceptors so obtained can be inserted into neurons and other cell types and can be used to control various biological pathways with light (Photopharmacology). One of our major biological goals is the restoration of vision in the blind using synthetic photoswitches.
The reach of photopharmacology, however, goes well beyond applications in neuroscience and sensory physiology. It is already clear that this approach is very useful for controlling the highly dynamic systems that underlie cell motility, cell division and (unwanted) proliferation. As such, photopharmacology provides powerful tools for cell biology and could open a new direction in precison medicine.
A substantial part of our research program is dedicated to chemical synthesis, and natural product chemistry.
We are convinced that the vast majority of natural products have not yet been found and that a wealth of interesting chemistry and biology awaits discovery. As synthetic organic chemists, we are intrigued by the structural beauty and functional sophistication of these molecules. Through total synthesis, we gain insight into their mechanism of action and biosynthetic origin. In addition, the total synthesis of complex natural products provides an ideal platform for the invention or discovery of new synthetic methodology or the validation of modern reactions in a challenging environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Some expertise in organic synthesis, computational chemistry, and, most importantly, passion.
Project Website
Learn more about the researcher and/or the project here. https://www.traunergroup.org
Details:
Preferred Student Year
Second-Year, Junior, First-year, Senior
Academic Term
Fall, Spring, Summer
I prefer to have students start during the above term(s).Volunteer
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to volunteers.Paid
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to paying students they engage in their research, regardless of their work-study eligibility.Work Study
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to hiring work-study-eligible students.