Physics Colloquium: Sharonda LeBlanc

The Syracuse University Physics Department is pleased to welcome Dr. Sharonda LeBlanc, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Abstract:

“Dynamic Structural Biology, One Molecule at a Time”

The diversity of enzyme structure and function in living systems leads to exciting opportunities in biophysical research. Dr. LeBlanc is fascinated by how large numbers of these protein machines coordinate across space and time and undergo drastic changes in shape to carry out complex biological processes. Her lab focuses on investigating precisely how genetic mutations impact the molecular function of key enzymes. In her talk, Dr. LeBlanc will introduce single molecule time-resolved fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy as a tool to explore in real time protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions in addition to dynamic structural rearrangements that drive specific pathways. They are currently studying the detailed mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA processing, ribosome assembly, and DNA mismatch repair. They aim to completely characterize the impact of mutations linked to disease on the molecular function of enzymes to understand how complex diseases develop at the molecular level and to identify new therapeutic targets.