Professor Kristina Hakansson of the University of Michigan is supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program in the Division of Chemistry to study novel gas-phase ion-electron reactions (electron capture dissociation (ECD) and electron detachment dissociation (EDC)), and to develop tools based on these ionization mechanisms for the mass spectrometric identification of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). The ultimate goal is to characterize the high order structures of nucleic acids and to map the binding sites in oligonucleotide-drug complexes. The integration of the research activities with diversity programs at the University of Michigan encourages women and underrepresented minorities to embark on scientific careers.
The work will add to the fundamental knowledge of gas phase ionization processes, and result in the development of mass spectrometric tools for the identification and characterization of nucleic acids. It will significantly impact crucial areas as diverse as basic biology and the molecular basis of life processes, drug discovery, and forensic science.
