TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- A Florida State University professor of chemistry and biochemistry, Rafael P. Brschweiler, has been elevated to the rank of Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
In bestowing the honor, which was announced in the Nov. 24 issue of the journal Science, the AAAS recognized Brschweiler for fundamental contributions to methodology and applications of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in combination with computational approaches for the dynamic characterization of proteins in solutions.
In his research, Brschweiler, who also serves as associate director for biophysics at FSUs National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and is a member of the labs Science Council, works to increase scientists understanding of protein behavior, particularly how proteins interact with other molecules such as proteins, peptides and small ligands. Such an understanding is important for researchers as they attempt to develop new treatments for a variety of diseases.
Proteins are highly complex molecules that perform a wide range of biological functions in every organism, Bruschweiler said. Proper function requires the fine interplay between a proteins structure and its dynamics. In our work, we have shown how such protein behavior can be unraveled at the molecular level by the combined use of nuclear magnetic resonance experiments and sophisticated computational tools.
I have had the privilege to work with many talented coworkers and collaborators who have contributed in important ways to our research, he said, adding that I am delighted to be elected a Fellow of the AAAS.
In conducting his research at FSUs department of chemistry and biochemistry and at the magnet lab, Brschweiler has been an innovator in the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology for protein research. NMR is a research tool that utilizes high-powered magnets to measure the strengths, directions and temporary
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Contact: Rafael P. Brschweiler
bruschweiler@magnet.fsu.edu
850-644-1768
Florida State University
27-Nov-2006