Megan Nunez
Professor of Chemistry, Dean of Faculty Affairs
Expertise in DNA damage and bacterial biophysics.
In my research, I use a variety of chemical, physical, and biochemical tools to answer relevant biological questions. At this intersection between different fields, I hope to bring a different perspective and experience to bear on interesting scientific puzzles.
My research group explores the structure-function relationships in non-canonical nucleic acids, i.e. DNA containing small base lesions and unusual folds, and how those non-canonical structures interact with cellular proteins.
In addition, the bacterial biophysics subgroup uses Atomic Force Microscopy and other techniques to examine bacterial predation in biofilms.
Both sets of projects succeed due to the hard work and brilliance of my wonderful collaborators and talented undergraduate research students.
Education
- B.A., Smith College
- Ph.D., California Institute of Technology