People
Dr. Brandon Gassaway
Brandon Gassaway is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Brigham Young University, whose research focuses on functionalizing protein post-translational modifications using thermal stability proteomics and phospho-amino acid orthogonal translation systems. Brandon graduated Magna Cum Laude with university honors from Brigham Young University, where he worked in the laboratory of Dr. Emily Bates studying the role of inwardly-rectifying potassium channels in Drosophila development. As a part of this research, Brandon was awarded a NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.
Brandon went on to do his graduate studies with Dr. Jesse Rinehart at Yale University, where he investigated mechanisms of insulin resistance using phosphoproteomic analysis. While at Yale, Brandon was named to the inaugural class of Gruber Fellows, as well as completed the Medical Research Scholars Program and received the Certificate of College Teaching Preparation. Brandon then began a post-doctoral fellowship in the laboratory of Dr. Steven Gygi, where he developed methods to functionalize protein post-translational modifications. During his fellowship, Brandon also joined the laboratory of Dr. Marcia Haigis, where he applied the methods he developed in the Gygi lab to models of T cell activation, as well as various cancer models.
Brandon went on to do his graduate studies with Dr. Jesse Rinehart at Yale University, where he investigated mechanisms of insulin resistance using phosphoproteomic analysis. While at Yale, Brandon was named to the inaugural class of Gruber Fellows, as well as completed the Medical Research Scholars Program and received the Certificate of College Teaching Preparation. Brandon then began a post-doctoral fellowship in the laboratory of Dr. Steven Gygi, where he developed methods to functionalize protein post-translational modifications. During his fellowship, Brandon also joined the laboratory of Dr. Marcia Haigis, where he applied the methods he developed in the Gygi lab to models of T cell activation, as well as various cancer models.
Ayden Marler
Ayden Marler got his B.S. in biochemistry from Colorado School of Mines where he was a Daniel's Fund Scholar. Now pursuing his doctorate in biochemistry, his projects include collaborations involving pancreatitis/pancreatic cancer research, volumetric muscle loss, as well as studying automation for proteomics experiments. When not in the lab, he enjoys spending time traveling, following the Denver Broncos, and listening to audiobooks.
Clayton Tacker
Clayton is pursuing a Doctorate in Biochemistry. As a devoted husband and father of one, he aspires to excel as a skilled scientist in the realm of disease-focused mass spectrometry proteomic research. He is currently engaged in a project that aims to identify the drivers of dedifferentiated liposarcoma protein and post-translational modifications using proteomic analysis.
Morgan Payne
Morgan is a Biochemistry Ph.D. Student in the Gassaway lab. His current project is pursuing the protein and post-translational modification drivers of ALK resistant Non-small Cell Lung Cancer through proteomics analysis. As a busy husband and father of two, he hopes to become a capable scientist and versatile data analyst in the world of disease-applied proteomics.
Theo Wang
Theo is a Biochemistry Ph.D. student whose research focuses on understanding cysteine oxidation and its role in disease through proteomic analysis. Theo is currently investigating oxidative post-translational modifications and their impact on protein function, with future work involving the study of lung cancer tissues. He hopes to become a scientist who can contribute to the research on lung cancer treatment.
Andrew Hirschmann
Andrew is an undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry. He is currently studying the phosphorylation sites within T-Cells and their role in T-Cell activation. With the help of proteomics, he is researching the protein LCK and how it affects the signaling cascade in T-Cells. He hopes to continue biomedical research into the future, specifically focusing on the effects of infectious disease.
Dallas Esplin
Dallas is an undergraduate at BYU studying neuroscience psychology who is preparing to apply to medical school soon after graduating. He is involved within proteomic research by studying liposarcoma proteins derived from mammalian cell lines.
McKenzie Mitchell
McKenzie is an undergraduate student studying biochemistry. She is currently working on applying the thermal shift assay to study cysteine oxidation and generating phosphopeptide standards.
Summer Helvey
Summer is an undergraduate Neuroscience major investigating the mechanisms of drug resistance in ALK+ lung cancer using phosphoproteomics. She loves learning something new every day. When not studying or in the lab, she can usually be found outside enjoying nature.
Travis Schelin
Travis is an Undergraduate Biochemistry student focused on studying phosphoproteomics and discovering disease mechanisms to advance oncological research. He is currently working to help analyze the effects of LL-37 and CSA on infected mammalian cell lines.