Joanna Slusky

Joanna Slusky is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at The University of Kansas. Her research focuses on structural biology, membrane proteins, and biophysics, with an emphasis on understanding protein folding mechanisms and evolutionary adaptations in outer membrane systems. She employs computational methods and biochemical tools to study protein design, enzyme evolution, and the structural dynamics of transmembrane proteins.

Her work integrates experimental and computational approaches, including machine learning for predicting protein function and engineering novel membrane proteins. Key topics include the biogenesis of antibiotic resistance efflux pumps (e.g., TolC), the evolution of oxidoreductases, and the development of AI-driven tools for protein structure prediction.

Her articles highlight advancements in membrane protein engineering, such as loop-to-hairpin evolution strategies and the design of larger pore proteins. She also investigates detergent effects on protein folding and develops bioinformatics tools like MAHOMES II for metal-binding site analysis.

No specific scientific awards are listed for Dr. Slusky in the provided texts. She advises no named students, though her research group likely includes graduate students focused on structural biology and computational methods.