My research focuses on protein structure analysis using liquid separations and high-resolution mass spectrometry. I have wanted to be a research scientist since childhood. After undergraduate work I was introduced to the world of proteomics as a technician in John Yates III lab at The Scripps Research Institute. This was an incredible opportunity to learn about cutting edge science using multidimensional liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. I became particularly excited about mass spectrometry after seeing firsthand the power of this approach in the analysis of a wide variety of complex protein mixtures. Research has taught me a lot about myself, other people, and how humanity can interact with nature to understand how the world and universe works. In my path to becoming a researcher I was very fortunate to be able to pursue training as a doctoral student in two distinct scientific fields: analytical chemistry and structural biochemistry. In navigating the unknown to the completion of my degree, I learned a great deal about the value of communication as well as that of technical accuracy in successfully conducting a multidisciplinary research program.
My biggest goal is to leave this world in a better place than I found it. In pursuit of this goal, I follow the mantra "contribute where you can", with the aim that my contributions will be meaningful. I enjoy writing original music, playing guitar, and singing. For many years I have had the unique pleasure of performing in a band with my wife and several other family members. I also love to camp/travel to remote desert places in search of solitude and a chance to recharge. When at home, I try to occasionally keep my skills sharp on my favorite Nintendo NES game Dr. Mario.
My ultimate career goal is to become a research-track professor to focus on innovation of next-generation techniques and instrumentation for studying protein structure and function. My dream is to provide mentorship in protein mass spectrometry research to students and postdoctoral fellows and help these junior researchers achieve their own research goals.