Jefferson Knight

Jefferson Knight is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Colorado Denver's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He serves as Faculty Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities, demonstrating his commitment to student research development. His academic appointments span both teaching and research, with a focus on biochemistry and biophysical chemistry.

Dr. Knight earned his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina in 2000, followed by a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Yale University in 2006. His postdoctoral training was completed in the laboratory of Prof. Joseph Falke at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he developed single-molecule fluorescence microscopy methods for studying protein-membrane interactions.

His research program focuses on molecular interactions of proteins and lipid membranes, particularly those involved in insulin secretion. His laboratory investigates how membrane-targeting proteins dock to lipid membranes through specific recognition of lipid headgroups, electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic insertion, and protein-protein interactions. A major emphasis is understanding how defects in these processes may contribute to type II diabetes. His lab employs a diverse toolkit including fluorescence resonance energy transfer, single-molecule fluorescence microscopy, protein purification, and various spectroscopic techniques.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on synaptotagmins and synaptotagmin-like proteins (Slps), with particular attention to their C2 domains and membrane binding mechanisms. His work spans fundamental biophysical characterization to educational research, demonstrating both depth in his specialty and breadth in application. Recent trends show increasing collaboration with other researchers and expansion into diabetes-related mechanisms.

Dr. Knight actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students in his laboratory, with numerous students listed as co-authors on publications. His educational contributions include developing innovative biochemistry curricula that integrate threshold concepts with information literacy skills. His lab provides research opportunities for students across multiple disciplines including Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, and Engineering.

The Knight Laboratory maintains active collaborations within CU Denver and with external institutions, creating a vibrant research environment focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of regulated exocytosis and membrane trafficking. His work bridges fundamental biophysics with physiological relevance to diabetes research.