معرفی
Korin Wheeler is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Santa Clara University (SCU), part of the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on understanding the biochemical interactions of nanomaterials with biomolecules, particularly their environmental and health implications. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Northwestern University and a B.A. in Chemistry from New College of Florida.
Her work investigates how nanoparticles interact with proteins like human serum albumin, using proteomic and biochemical approaches. Key projects include studying nanoparticle toxicity, protein corona formation, and designing safer nanomaterials for biomedical applications. She has secured significant grants, including the Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award and NIH funding.
Wheeler leads the Wheeler Lab, a collaborative team of undergraduates trained in biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, and nanoscience. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, such as machine learning for predicting nanoparticle behavior and developing educational frameworks for nanotechnology. She teaches courses like Biochemistry I/II and Biochemical Techniques.
- Awards/Grants:
- Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award (2018–2023)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) AREA Grant ($374,000, 2016–2019)
- NSF-funded UC Center for the Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (2014–2015)
- Research Themes:
- Protein corona dynamics in environmental and biological systems
- Nanoparticle toxicity mechanisms
- Design of eco-friendly nanomaterials
- Collaborations: National networks like the Primarily Undergraduate Nanomaterials Cooperative.
Her publications highlight advancements in understanding nanoparticle interactions with biomolecules, with a focus on translational applications in medicine and environmental safety. Future work includes expanding machine learning tools to predict nanoparticle behavior and enhancing undergraduate research opportunities.
