Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes in living organisms. It can also be explained as a discipline in which biological phenomena are explained in chemical terms. Biochemistry is a sub-discipline of both chemistry and biology, and includes studying and understanding molecular genetics, protein science, and metabolism. Much of biochemistry deals with the structures, functions, and interactions of biological macromolecules – proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates – that provide the structure of cells and perform many of the functions associated with life.
The long term goal of Dr. Haining’s research project involves the study of the role of the pigment neuromelanin in human neurons. Given the impracticalities of using human tissues, much of the project is devoted to exploring alternate model systems which will give us insight into the possible endogenous function(s) of neuromelanin. One predominant feature of melanins is their reported capacity for binding toxins. As such, when dopaminergic neurons age and naturally accumulate pigment melanin, they also become more susceptible to toxic insult through toxin sequestration and accumulation. We are interested in the implications this has in triggering an abnormal state such as occurs in Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Kalman’s biochemistry and biotechnology research interests include looking at the interactions of proteins using a variety of experimental and computational techniques.
Dr. Mallia’s research group investigates the design and study of soft materials (gels, liquid crystals and polymers), pharmaceutically active molecules, green solvents/ionic liquids and in situ preparation and templating of metal nanoparticles.