As a computational chemist, the quotation above has a lot of meaning for me. Theory is only as powerful as it can help predict, guide, and inspire experiment. In return, theory and computation can provide the “why” and “how” for many experimental observations. When combined properly a more complete picture of the natural world is possible. I’m always on the lookout for collaborations that I can apply my skills and experience and work closely with experimentalists.
I’ve been involved in computational chemistry since my second year of my undergraduate (2001) .  Got my start under Dr. Scott Feller at Wabash college developing force field parameter for phospholipids for lipid bilayer simulations and creating new fluorescent probe molecules. During the summer of 2002, I was a research technician at the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in the Center for Biological Evaluation and Research (CBER) working for Dr. Richard Pastor helping develop torsional force field parameters for ether and ether-like molecules.
I started my graduate work under Dr. Darrin York at the University of Minnesota. The York lab’s primary focus is the development of multi-scale models for ribozyme catalysis. This lead me to gain experience in a variety of computational methods including implicit solvation, polarizable force fields, ab initio methods, QM/MM simulation methods, etc. A large part of my graduate work was a collaborative project with the lab of Dr. Tretykova at the Mesonic Cancer Center. This work involved understanding the role of methylation in tobacco smoke carcinogen attack of DNA. I received my Ph.D. in August of 2009.
From Minnesota I accepted a Post-Doctoral Faculty Fellow position at Boston University. This position provides a mix of teaching and research. My research was with Dr. John Straub focused on protein aggregation and dynamics in reverse micelles. I had the pleasure of directly mentoring a undergraduate during this time. This work involved the development of new non-ionic, surfactants that may help better help understand the roll of dehydration on amyloid plague forming proteins.
I am currently Assistant Professor of Chemistry in the Division of Molecular, Life, and Health Science at Loras College.  My research interests are focused on biomimetic matieral like reverse micelles and foldamers.  Check out what projects are currently under development.