معرفی
Daniel Strahs is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Pace University, New York City campus. He is actively engaged in teaching and research, with office located in CIVIC W333, One Pace Plaza. His academic work spans biochemistry and molecular biology, focusing on enzyme mechanisms related to DNA topology.
Education:
- PhD in Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, 1993
- MS in Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, 1990
- BS in Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1987
- BS in Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1987
Dr. Strahs' research centers on the biochemistry of DNA-processing enzymes, particularly topoisomerase IA in prokaryotic systems. His lab investigates how this enzyme manages DNA supercoiling generated during transcription, with recent work delving into the electrostatic properties of the enzyme's active site and how small molecules like ethacridine influence its function. This includes studying water dynamics and ligand interactions critical to enzyme activity.
His recent scholarly outputs (2023–2024) highlight a strong focus on protein electrostatics and ligand binding in topoisomerase IA. These works explore method development for analyzing electrostatic interactions, the impact of ethacridine on active site water lifetime, and dynamic variations in protein charge distribution—indicating a trend toward biophysical and computational approaches in understanding enzyme mechanisms.
No scientific awards or honors are listed in the provided materials.
Dr. Strahs mentors students through independent research courses such as BIO 480, BIO 481, BMB 710, and BMB 711. He has secured external funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for a project titled "Development of a Year-long, Research-based Laboratory Integrated within Core Genetics and Cellular & Molecular Biology Courses" (2013–2015), indicating a commitment to innovative, research-integrated pedagogy. This grant reflects his dedication to enhancing undergraduate science education through hands-on laboratory experiences.
While specific lab names or research teams are not mentioned, his research activities suggest an active undergraduate-focused laboratory environment centered on biochemical and biophysical investigations of topoisomerase IA.
