Gavin King

Gavin King is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Missouri. His research focuses on precision single-molecule biophysics and applications of atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study membrane proteins. He developed an ultrastable AFM to investigate protein structure, energetics, and conformational dynamics in physiologically relevant conditions. Key areas include understanding how protein dynamics influence function, particularly in medically relevant systems like P-glycoprotein and Candida albicans virulence factors.

Education: PhD from Harvard University. His work bridges biophysics, nanotechnology, and infectious disease, with a focus on lipid membrane interactions, peptide assembly, and drug transport mechanisms. Recent advancements include ice lithography for nanomanufacturing and machine learning-enhanced AFM data analysis.

Research emphasizes membrane-active peptides, protein translocation machinery (e.g., E. coli Sec translocase), and antifungal toxin mechanisms. Collaborative efforts integrate computational modeling with experimental AFM to achieve quantitative insights at the single-molecule level.

Awards: None explicitly listed in the provided text. Grants: His work is supported by initiatives in biophysics and nanotechnology. Labs/Teams: Leads the Precision Single Molecule Biophysics Group, focusing on AFM innovation and biological applications.