Allison Williams
About Me
I obtained my undergraduate degree at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA in 2016 with a major in biochemistry and minors in mathematics and physics. I completed research under Dr. Rita Mihailescu studying biophysics of G-quadruplex structures.
Research Interest
My current research focus is the study of intracellular conditions on RNA structure and stability utilizing biophysical methods. I am also studying in vivo RNA folding in archaea.
Research Summary
I am interested in using biophysical techniques to study how small molecules, metabolites, and amino acids affect the folding and stability of RNA G-quadruplex structures. Due to the diversity of intracellular conditions between organisms, cell types, and stresses, we are interested in the potential regulatory roles of these small molecules. Additionally, the lab has studied probing of RNA molecules in both bacteria and plants, but has yet to investigate the domain of archaea. Archaea live under diverse and extreme conditions that could influence their RNA structure in ways not yet understood or discovered. I am investigating how one specific archaea could utilize RNA structure to regulate gene expression during growth on two different carbon sources.
Programs and Training Centers
University Committees
-
BMMB GSA (former first year liaison, vice president, and mentoring chair)
-
Graduate Women in Science (past and current professional development chair)
-
Huck Graduate Student Advisory Committee (past BMMB representative)
-
Chemical Biology Student seminar (Founder and current board member)
-
BMMB professional development student organizer
Honors and Awards
-
Stanley Person Graduate Fellowship in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology