The research in my laboratory focuses on the following subjects;

1. Hydrodynamic and thermodynamic modeling of biological macromolecules and macromolecular assemblies. Using tools such as analytical ultracentrifugation and dynamic light scattering we are trying to elucidate structure and function of biological systems. To this end, we are developing the UltraScan software suite which implements a range of methods for the analysis of hydrodynamic data. Emphasis is placed on the development of user-friendly tools to make even complicated biophysical analysis accessible to the less-than-expert user. Our goal is to integrate multiple biophysical techniques such as sedimentation velocity, sedimentation equilibrium, as well as Raleigh and dynamic light scattering for a global analysis of complex systems. We are developing novel analysis methods utilizing the latest advances in technology and instrumentation. We have established collaborations with Dr. Weiming Cao at UTSA, Dept. of Applied Mathematics and Dr. Rajendra Boppana at UTSA, Dept. of Computer Science to implement sophisticated numerical analysis algorithms, with particular focus on parallel computational approaches using Linux Beowulf systems. Such tools are required to model the large and computationally demanding systems of experimental data in a global approach.

2. Our laboratory is interested in the application of low cost supercomputing tools and high-performance networking to provide CPU performance needed for demanding modeling problems and bioinformatics applications. For example, one of the modules developed for the Linux Beowulf computers accomplishes Monte Carlo analysis of statistical confidence limits of models fitted to experimental data.

3. Another area of interest is the application of Internet-2 networking applications to grid computing applications which ties multiple supercomputers together into a single supercluster unit. Other applications of Internet-2 provide digital multicast audio/video teleconferencing. We are interested in developing educational content for the Internet-2 in forms of workshops, seminars and tutorials.