Online-only special: Clementi awarded for protein research
Associate chemistry professor Cecilia Clementi's research in protein folding could be the key to cures for medical conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In recognition of this potential as well as her breakthrough research in protein folding, she has been awarded the prestigious Norman Hackerman Award in Chemical Research.The annual award recognizes a young researcher who has made profound contributions to the field of chemical research in Texas. Nominees are rigorously screened and then selected by a panel of Nobel Laureates and other experts in the field.
Although Clementi has received other accolades, such as the National Science Foundation CAREER grant and the Hackerman Young Investigator award, she said the Hackerman Award has significant meaning because of the selection process.
"I am really honored to be recognized by such great people," Clementi said.
Clementi's research sheds newfound light on protein dynamic and folding. Proteins are essential molecules that carry out the biological processes of life in animals, viruses and bacteria. Because specific protein shape determines a specific task, a peturbance in its structure will cause it and its biological process to become dysfunctional.
"Proteins are not static objects," Clementi said. "It is not just a shape. The motion around the shape and the interaction, what is happening around the shape that is essential for protein function."
Clementi's theoretical work focuses on understanding the protein motion by using statistical mechanics, a branch of physical chemistry, to formulate mathematical tools that are then translated into practical models using computer science.
In addition to contributing to the search for cures for protein-based diseases, her work can also be applied for industrial engineering purposes.
Clementi attributes her ability to conduct phenomenal research to Rice's friendly environment and emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to science.
"I don't feel the competition from my colleagues," she said. "There is a lot of camaraderie."
Tight collaborations within the Rice community are essential to her research, since Clementi's work branches out from theoretical physics to molecular biology, computer science, mathematics and chemistry.
"It is extremely important when doing this kind of research to find an environment that not only supports but encourages interdisclipinary research and provide the resources to do it," she said.
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