Ripon College This CAREER award is made in the Organic Dynamics Program in support of the research and teaching activities of Dr. Colleen Byron. The research plan involves the characterization of the electron transfer properties of the enzyme glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCD) by electrochemical, spectroscopic and synthetic organic techniques. The research will focus on the role of substrate and/or product complexation on the electron transfer properties of GCD, and the effect of alterations of the GCD aminoacid sequence, particularly near the active site, on the electron transfer properties of GCD. Dr. Byron's teaching plan will focus on development of the analytical, organic and biochemistry courses. She will update these courses to include topics and laboratory experiments of societal and environmental relevance and emphasize interdisciplinary science. She will also coordinate a chemistry seminar series and continue activities in undergraduate advising and mentoring. Apart from the inherent advancement of our understanding of electron transfer in enzymatic systems, this research will address specific issues relevant to the metabolism of certain aminoacids by GCD at a molecular level and the role of mutations in GCD deficiency. The involvement of undergraduate students in the implementation of the research will have a significant educational value.
