معرفی
Brooks Crickard serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics within Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). His laboratory focuses on enzymatic mechanisms maintaining chromosomal genetic information, utilizing biochemical, biophysical, and genetic approaches combined with advanced microscopy techniques including laser-based systems.
Research interests center on DNA strand invasion and exchange during homologous recombination—a universal pathway for chromosome maintenance. His work investigates Rad54/Rdh54 proteins, ATP-hydrolysis mechanisms, and high-resolution modeling of recombination processes. Key methodologies include
- Biochemical reconstitution
- Single-molecule imaging
- Genetic analysis
- Biophysical characterization
Recent publications reveal trends in understanding spatial organization within recombination complexes and energy-dependent DNA alignment mechanisms. His work bridges molecular enzymology with chromosomal stability research, emphasizing conserved biological processes across organisms.
Scientific recognition includes:
- Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation Fellowship (2017-2020)
Teaching responsibilities include BIOMG 3350 (Introductory Biochemistry), with specific focus on improving pedagogy for enzymatic reaction mechanisms and kinetics. Mentors undergraduate researchers like Margaret Keymakh, whose published work examined genetic information exchange mechanisms. Laboratory operations integrate advanced microscopy with molecular genetics approaches to dissect recombination machinery.
