May 15
Chemistry Department Seminar: Student Comps Presentations
Alana Berger - “Organic Photovoltaics and the Charge Processes Within Them”
Solar panel technology is one of the most promising forms of renewable energy. While solar panels are typically made with inorganic materials, organic photovoltaics (or OPVs) have significantly improved in the last few years and pose exciting opportunities for harnessing solar energy. The improvement and subatomic mechanisms involved in OPVs has been the focus of my COMPs and talk. My talk will begin with an introduction on the principles of OPV design, energy collection, and its limiting factors. My talk will then conclude with a dive into some of the recent research which focuses on understanding the subatomic processes present in optimal OPVs.
Michael Carey - 'Understanding the ATP-Mediated CFTR Gating Mechanism Using Biophysical Chemical Techniques"
(CFTR) protein plays a crucial role in regulating chloride ion transport across cell membranes. Biophysical chemical techniques are used to shed light on the ATP-mediated gating mechanism of CFTR, revealing the interplay between ATP binding and hydrolysis, conformational changes, and channel opening and closing. ATP binding to CFTR triggers a series of structural rearrangements, leading to channel opening, while ATP hydrolysis leads to channel closure. Understanding the intricacies of this ATP-mediated gating mechanism provides valuable insights into the pathology of cystic fibrosis and will pave the way for the development of even better therapeutic strategies targeting CFTR gating dysfunction.