معرفی
Kristen Ramsey serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology / Structural Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of Connecticut, where her research integrates rigorous biophysical methodologies with cellular functional assays to investigate protein interaction mechanisms in immune signaling pathways.
Her academic journey includes:
- Undergraduate training at Florida State University with Goldwater Scholarship support for research on allostery in human glucokinase under Dr. Brian Miller
- Ph.D. studies at University of California San Diego investigating NFkB dimer structural dynamics with Dr. Elizabeth Komives
- NIH-funded postdoctoral research at Johns Hopkins University examining paralog-specific Notch signaling mechanisms with Dr. Doug Barrick
Dr. Ramsey's research program centers on biophysical characterization of protein-ligand interactions and their cellular functional consequences, with current focus on RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) family RNA sensors in innate immunity. She employs techniques including structural dynamics analysis, in-cell functional assays, and thermodynamic measurements to bridge molecular mechanisms with cellular responses to pathogens, advancing understanding of immune signaling specificity.
Her publication record demonstrates consistent application of biophysical approaches to complex signaling systems, evolving from transcription factor regulation (NFkB) to receptor specificity mechanisms (Notch), with emerging work on pathogen-sensing RNA receptors. This trajectory reflects her commitment to elucidating fundamental principles of protein function in immune recognition.
Professional recognition includes:
- Goldwater Scholarship for undergraduate research excellence
- NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship for innovative Notch signaling research
As principal investigator of the Ramsey Lab, she directs research on innate immune sensors while securing competitive funding for her independent program. Her mentorship spans laboratory techniques in biophysics and cellular immunology, fostering the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists through hands-on research training.
The Ramsey Lab operates from dedicated space in UConn's Biology/Physics Building (BPB 219/220), equipped for advanced biophysical instrumentation and cell-based assays to investigate molecular mechanisms of immune signaling pathways.
