Dylan
Assistant Professor
College/School/Department: College of Letters and Science, Department of Chemistry
What made you choose Davis?
I like that my specific area of expertise complements the existing vibrant research atmosphere at Davis. My research adds new capabilities to the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) facility here and I am excited for the opportunity to share my expertise with the campus-wide research community. After using physical chemistry to understand biomedical problems for most of my scientific career, I am eager to explore how I can use my expertise to help solve agricultural problems as well.
What inspires you?
I enjoy applying the ideas from chemistry and physics to understand biology. Time after time, the complexity of biology is explained by chemistry and physics. I find that very satisfying.
What research are you currently working on? What makes it unique?
I study protein molecules that regulate gene expression by interacting with RNA. These proteins function in exciting ways that have only been fully appreciated in the biology community in the past decade. When I started working on this in 2014, there were only a handful of papers coming out per year on the subject and now papers are being published on a weekly basis. I’m part of a new wave of physical chemists that are trying to understand the fundamental chemistry by which these proteins function in the cell. Our results are important for understanding degenerative diseases like ALS, non-Alzheimer’s dementia and muscular dystrophy.
If you could impart one piece of advice to our undergraduates seeking a course of study/career path, what would it be?
I would follow the course of study that really drives them. However, students should keep in mind that the end goal is gainful employment. I think no matter what field of study you choose, you can tailor your education so that you can both do what you enjoy and find a job after graduation. It may take time and creativity to do that. Talking to faculty and peers is a great way to help things along and can help students find their niche in unexpected places.
When not in the classroom or conducting research, what do you like to do?
I’m an avid swimmer, cyclist and runner. I don’t do much competitively, but I find it relaxing. I also enjoy gardening and am excited to have moved into a house where I can grow lots of plants. When I’m stuck inside, I like to play around with graphic design and animation. I also play the bass guitar.
Have you found your favorite spot on campus yet?
I’m exploring the various parts of campus during my lunch breaks. The arboretum is very close to the chemistry building and that is the most enjoyable spot so far.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
I would like to be able to see the tiny protein molecules that I study in the lab. I rely on various experimental methods in the lab to indirectly “see” them and it would be a dream for me to physically be able to see them in action.