معرفی
Christopher Berndsen is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at James Madison University (JMU), where he has worked since 2012. His research focuses on understanding enzymatic mechanisms of acyl transfer and viral tethering by human Tetherin using biochemical, structural, and computational techniques. He collaborates with scientists in the MDH CURES community and the JMU Center for Genome and Metagenome Studies.
- Education: Ph.D. in Biomolecular Chemistry (University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2008), B.S. in Biochemistry (Roanoke College, 2003), Post-Doctoral work at Johns Hopkins University and HHMI (2008-2012).
His research spans three main areas: (1) acyl transfer mechanisms (ubiquitination, acetylation), (2) plant β-amylase enzymes (starch degradation), and (3) viral tethering by Tetherin (HIV inhibition). He integrates computational modeling, X-ray crystallography, and biochemical assays to explore enzyme function and regulation.
Recent publications highlight his work on malate dehydrogenases, β-amylase conformational dynamics, and Tetherin's structural resilience. His lab trains undergraduates in research, with projects documented on platforms like his website and GitHub. Funding comes from the National Science Foundation, Jeffress Trust, 4-VA, Hamilton Syringe Company, and the U.S.-Israel Binational Science Foundation.
- Scientific Awards:
- Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award
- American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellow
He also develops Shiny apps and teaching resources to enhance student understanding of biochemistry, including tools for data fitting, circular dichroism, and enzyme kinetics. His educational philosophy emphasizes applying knowledge to real-world problems and fostering student collaboration through initiatives like the Open Science Framework.
