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Our research is focused on the study of the primary processes of photosynthesis. Photosynthetic organisms have made life possible on Earth and have contributed significantly to the development of oxygen-dependent life on our planet. Photosynthesis supplies our food, oxygen, and the energy sources currently in use, with carbon in fossil fuels, such as natural gas, crude oil, and coal, being fixed from atmospheric carbon dioxide by this process millions of years ago. The reactions leading to energy conversion and storage occur in membrane-bound pigment-protein complexes, known as reaction centers. We investigate the link between light-induced electron transfer and related protonation reactions in these centers. Our approach includes growing and harvesting photosynthetic organisms, isolating and purifying the reaction center protein, and modifying the membrane environment to maximize efficiency in electron and proton transfer. We employ techniques like transient and steady-state optical spectroscopy to analyze kinetics and dual polarization interferometry for real-time conformational studies.
Administered by the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema; focuses on cinematic arts practice and research-creation.