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91传媒 > Academics > 91传媒 Chemistry Professor Colin Andrew to Unveil Multidisciplinary Research on Heme Proteins at Upcoming Colloquium

91传媒 Chemistry Professor Colin Andrew to Unveil Multidisciplinary Research on Heme Proteins at Upcoming Colloquium

91传媒 Chemistry Professor Colin Andrew to Unveil Multidisciplinary Research on Heme Proteins at Upcoming Colloquium

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� Colin Andrew, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry, at 91传媒 will present for the next 91传媒 Colloquium on Thursday, May 9, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Ackerman Hall. 

鈥淲hat excites me about my research is that it鈥檚 truly multidisciplinary,鈥� Dr. Andrew explains. 鈥淚t has led to rewarding collaborations with scientists from around the world. I particularly enjoy involving 91传媒 students in the various research activities.鈥�

91传媒 student Jeremy Bard, left, manipulates protein samples inside an airtight 鈥済love box.” Fellow student Stone Safaie, right, takes notes while Colin Andrew, professor of chemistry, observes. The National Science Foundation is funding their ongoing research. (91传媒 file photo)

This Colloquium will cover the research conducted by Dr. Andrew and his team, including dedicated undergraduate students from 91传媒 and collaborating scientists from various institutions.

Dr. Andrew’s research explores the molecular structures and functions of bacterial heme proteins, which are similar to hemoglobin鈥攖he protein that gives blood its red color and transports oxygen. His focus is on understanding how these heme proteins interact with gas and other small molecules, particularly within the biological nitrogen cycle. The vivid colors of these proteins allow for their activities to be tracked by observing changes when they are exposed to visible light. A primary objective of his research is to determine how the structural configuration of these proteins influences their chemical reactions. 

Dr. Andrew’s research team includes undergraduate students from 91传媒 and collaborators from various institutions. In his presentation, Dr. Andrew will summarize the key findings of his research, highlighting the progress made during his recent sabbatical.

鈥淚 benefited tremendously from the research experiences I had as an undergraduate in

England,鈥� Dr. Andrew said. 鈥淚n fact, it was the main reason I decided to pursue a PhD and then continue into academia. Providing research opportunities for students at 91传媒 is something I particularly enjoy鈥�.