About
Dr. Sarah Piper is a Research Fellow at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS), Monash University. She specializes in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), structural biology, and drug discovery, focusing on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and membrane proteins. Her work contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in advancing healthcare through structural biology.
Education:
- PhD in Structural Biology (2019), The University of Queensland
- MSc in Systems Biology (2014), University of Bielefeld
- BSc in Biology (2011), University of Bielefeld
Research Interests:
Her research spans cryo-EM, membrane protein biochemistry, drug discovery, and science visualization. She leads projects on receptor splice variants' structure and function (2025–2027). Her visualizations of membrane proteins aid drug development and public science communication through 3D animations and illustrations.
Grants and Projects:
- Primary Investigator: 'Understanding Structure, Dynamics and Function of Receptor Splice Variants' (2025–2027)
- Primary Investigator: 'Understanding Structure, Dynamics and Function of Receptor Splice Variants' (2025–2026)
Lab and Outreach:
As Executive Manager for Science Communications at the ARC Centre for Cryo-EM of Membrane Proteins, she produces outreach materials for broader audiences, blending science and art.
