Monday, March 29th, 7pm
Please visit the Facebook event for the zoom information and meeting link.
One bacterium’s RNA-binding protein is another’s genetic engineering tool: the importance of curiosity-driven science.
What does gene editing have to do with a quirky RNA-binding protein in bacteria?
How can we coax bacteria into teaching us their cool tricks?
Why is basic science critical to technological innovation?
Katie Berry (she/her) is an RNA biochemist, bacterial geneticist and enthusiastic teacher and mentor. She received her Ph.D. at University of California, Berkeley, where she worked with Nobel Laureate Jennifer Doudna, using biochemical and biophysical techniques to study the mechanism of action of a non-coding RNA that Hepatitis C virus uses to appropriate human ribosomes during infection. During her postdoctoral training, Berry learned tools of bacterial molecular genetics and developed a system to ask bacteria to tell us whether a given RNA and protein are interacting. Since establishing her own lab at Mount Holyoke five years ago, Berry has mentored more than 20 undergraduate students, collaborating with them to refine the “bacterial three-hybrid” assay and using this assay to uncover the mechanisms of RNA-binding proteins.
SciTech Cafe events are open to any one with a curious mind regardless of age and background. Our events, prizes, and snacks are free, but donations are appreciated.
The SciTech Cafe is sponsored by:
