URSA Engage Program 2013
Position Descriptions for Students to Apply For
Faculty Name & Department/School:
Dr. Victor L. Hsu, Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics
Research Project Title:
Computational methods for predicting protein-protein interaction domains
Project Overview:
The interaction between proteins is a vital part of essentially all life processes, and much effort has been spent in studying biomolecular interactions experimentally. However, the number of potential interactions is astronomical, so it would be useful if a computational approach could be developed to predict specific protein-protein interactions. This problem is two-fold: 1) which proteins interact?; and 2) what part of those proteins are responsible for the interaction? This project is directed towards the second question
and involves performing in silico protein interaction simulations and statistical modeling and analysis. (Scripting skills would be useful.)
What skills will students obtain in this project?
Accessing molecular structure databases
Setting up and running molecular simulations
Statistical methods for domain predictions
Student research tasks:
Write computer scripts to facilitate workflow
Write computer scripts (and/or programs) to simplify database management
Perform protein-protein docking simulations
Period of work - Spring and Fall
Number of hours per week expected of student: 4-8
Preferred Faculty Contact Information:
By office visit (ALS 2143) or email (hsuv@onid.orst.edu)
(note - applications are NOT sent to mentors - see instructions)
q Yes x No: Human Subjects
q Yes xNo: Live Vertebrate Animals
q Yes x No: Recombinant DNA Molecules Transgenic Plants or Animal, and/or Infectious Agents of Plants, Animals, or Humans
q Yes x No: Ionizing Radiation
q Yes x No: Chemical Carcinogens
q Yes x No: Scuba Diving, Free Diving
q Yes x No: Small Boating Operations
If you are interested in applying for this position, you MUST complete the student application HERE and email it to Dr. Kevin Ahern at ahernk@onid.orst.edu
Do NOT email your application to the faculty mentor.