Research Overview
We study DNA, RNA, and proteins —
analyzing their synthesis and structure as well as their actions and
interactions. We use physical techniques that include spectroscopy and
crystallography, cell biological techniques including multispectral confocal
microscopy and cell sorting, biochemical techniques such as enzyme purification
and characterization, along with molecular biological techniques and genetics
including single-cell genomic, spatial transcriptomic, and epigenomic analysis. By attacking problems
using these complementary approaches, we have developed a collaborative
environment.
Our departmental missions include teaching, scholarship, and
research with our faculty funded for their research programs
through the NCI, NIAMS, NIDCR, NSF, and BSF. These grants, coupled with our frequent
receipt of NIH Shared Instrumentation awards, have allowed us to provide
state-of-the-art research instrumentation for our faculty and students. The Biochemistry Department provides leadership for the Northern New England Clinical and Translational Research Network, an NIH funded program that supports clinical and translational research to address the health and healthcare challenges of Northern New England rurality with emphasis on prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship of acute and chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disease. The Department of Biochemistry provides leadership for the Vermont Biomedical Research Network, an NIH supported program to develop infrastructure and guidance for Biomedical investigation to educators and undergraduate students throughout Vermont. Our
faculty are world-recognized leaders -- several serving as officers in
different national and international scientific organizations and others
serving as regular study-section members. We are heavily involved in the educational activities of the College, offering numerous courses for graduate,
medical and undergraduate students.
Learn more about our faculty’s research here.