Robert Dick
Principle Investigator
Ph.D. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cornell University
M.A. Genetics, Iowa State University
B.S. Genetics, Iowa State University
Robert is interested in retrovirus structure and assembly using single-particle cryo-EM, cryo-Electron Tomography, and subtomogram averaging. Robert is working to understand the mechanistic details of how the small cellular molecule Inositol Hexakisphosphate (IP6) promotes assembly and maturation of retroviruses like HIV-1. Also, he is studying the molecular details of viral target/drug interactions.
Clifton Ricaña
Associate Scientist
clifton.david.augustine.ricana@emory.edu
Ph.D. Molecular Pathogenesis and Theraputics, University of Missouri-Columbia
B.S. Biology, Truman State University
While completing his Ph.D., Clif worked under Marc Johnson studying retroviral assembly including a seminal study demonstrating the critical role of the small molecule inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) in stabilizing the viral core of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). He also contributed to further demonstration that HIV and other primate lentiviruses have a strict requirement for InsP6 for proper assembly of infectious virus. In the Rob Dick Lab, Clif is continuing his study of retroviral assembly in the context of InsP6, and will combine his expertise in tissue culture and other virology techniques with Rob’s expertise in protein and structural biology to make new discoveries in retroviral assembly.
In the Rob Dick Lab, Clif is continuing his study of retroviral assembly in the context of InsP6, and will combine his expertise in tissue culture and other virology techniques with Rob’s expertise in protein and structural biology to make new discoveries in retroviral assembly.
Savannah Brancato
Electron Microscopy Technologist
B.S. Biochemistry, SUNY Cortland
Savannah is responsible for maintaining the lab’s protein, plasmid, and chemical inventories, and helping ensure all projects run smoothly. She also mentors incoming undergraduates and research assistants.
Savannah’s current research focuses on the in-vivo localization of retroviral Gag domains in the presence and absence of small molecule inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), known to coordinate retroviral assembly.
Krisztina Ambrus
Senior Research Specialist
B.S. Biology, Babeș-Bolyai University
M.S. Medical Biology, Babeș-Bolyai University & University of Szeged
Krisztina’s project focuses on understanding the interface between immature and mature HIV-1 viral lattices. Her efforts will shed light on how cleavage of Gag results in the formation of the mature lattice.
She also supports other projects with protein purifications, viral assembly reactions and TEM imaging.