Professional Summary
I am a computational chemist, scientific programmer, and teacher with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Duquesne University. My research background is in RNA structure, dynamics, and function, using molecular simulation, statistical analysis, and related computational methods to answer mechanistic questions at atomistic resolution.
That work has produced seven peer-reviewed publications, multiple shared first-authorship papers, and a funded NIH R15 proposal. In parallel, I have taught chemistry at the university level, mentored student researchers, and maintained an active tutoring practice in mathematics, chemistry, and physics. This site reflects both sides of that work: professional research and technical experience, alongside teaching and tutoring.
Core Strengths
- Computational chemistry and RNA biophysics
- Scientific analysis workflows and data interpretation
- Technical communication across research and teaching contexts
- Mentorship, tutoring, and concept-driven instruction
Working Style
- Analytical, methodical, and detail-oriented
- Comfortable moving between technical depth and clear explanation
- Strong in both independent work and collaborative research settings
What I Do
The site covers several kinds of work, but the underlying pattern is consistent: technical depth, careful analysis, and the ability to explain difficult material clearly to other people.
Research
I study nucleic acid structure and dynamics using molecular simulation, ensemble analysis, and close comparison with experiment. Recent projects have focused on viral RNA motifs, conformational heterogeneity, and mechanisms relevant to RNA dimerization and antiviral targeting.
Scientific Computing
I build and maintain analysis workflows for simulation output, dimensionality reduction, clustering, visualization, and statistical interpretation. The emphasis is usually on reproducibility, interpretable output, and tools that collaborators can actually use productively.
Teaching and Tutoring
I have taught laboratory and lecture material in chemistry, mentored undergraduate and graduate researchers, and tutored students from middle school through college. My teaching style is structured, concept-driven, and aimed at making hard subjects tractable without oversimplifying them.
Credentials
Education and Output
- Duquesne University, Ph.D. in Chemistry (Computational Chemistry and Biophysics)
- Bethany College, B.S. in Chemistry
- Seven peer-reviewed publications, including shared first-authorship papers in RNA, Nucleic Acids Research, and ACS Physical Chemistry Au
Awards and Funding
- Highest Impact Factor Publication Award, Duquesne University (2024, 2025)
- Bayer Fellowship, Duquesne University (2025)
- Above and Beyond Teaching Assistant Award, Duquesne University (2024)
- Co-writer on funded NIH NIAID R15 proposal on RNA homodimerization strand displacement pathways (impact score 20; total funding $507,121)
Professional Communities
- American Chemical Society
- Biophysical Society
- Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics