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The Gray Research Group

The Gray Group designs new catalytic transformations by harnessing the activity of transition metal catalysts and visible light. Our goal is to identify novel chemical bond-forming methods, making the synthesis of complex molecules more efficient.

The Friend Research Group

The Friend lab studies the connections between messenger RNA translation and cellular signaling. Using mouse embryonic stem cells, yeast, and computational models, we are investigating how mRNA translation is regulated in response to cellular fate and nutrition. Our research has shown that mRNA translation elongation is tightly coupled with mTORC signaling and mRNA decay, some of the first evidence connecting regulated translation elongation with cellular signaling events. Currently, we are focused on elucidating the mechanisms that connect translation elongation with these varied biological processes.

The LaRiviere Research Group

The LaRiviere group is interested in fundamental aspects of ribosome metabolism in eukaryotes. Specifically, we are investigating ribosome assembly and turnover in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. One focus of the lab is to elucidate the mechanistic details of non-functional ribosomal RNA decay (NRD), a newly discovered ribosome quality control pathway in yeast. NRD detects and degrades defective rRNAs after assembly into ribosomal subunits and mature ribosomes. A second focus of the lab is to study the molecular interactions involved in the association of the large and small ribosomal subunits during ribosome biogenesis and translation. We use a combination of biochemical and molecular tools to study these biologically important, yet contrasting processes of ribosome assembly and destruction.

The Tuchler Research Group

Studies the impact of the active learning methods on chemical education in the introductory chemistry and analytical chemistry classrooms. In addition, we study how to use counterintuitive Bayesian (Inferential) statistics to interpret the quantum world of atoms and molecules.

The Uffelman Research Group

The Uffelman group performs imaging and standoff chemical analysis on paintings and other cultural heritage objects. The group uses portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (pXRF), fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS, 350-2500 nm), and hyperspectral reflectance imaging (400-1000 nm) and multispectral reflectance imaging (900- 1700 nm) in these endeavors. The research team also uses scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) to do element mapping on paint cross sections sent to the laboratory by museum collaborators. The group also performs macro-XRF scanning, when possible.

Prior to the cultural heritage research, the Uffelman group was heavily involved in synthetic inorganic chemistry and engaged in the design of novel polyamide macrocyclic ligands in order to expand the fundamental chemistry of Green Chemistry applications of iron-catalyzed oxidation reaction.

Pedagogical research focuses on the technical analysis of 17th century Dutch painting used to teach an interdisciplinary non-science majors course at the interface of chemistry, physics, analytical instrumentation, history, economics, and religion. The course takes students and portable instrumentation abroad to The Netherlands for four weeks where intensive teaching and research activities transpire.