Chemistry major with biochemistry focus
Ashley is worked on spin-labeling Inclusion Membrane Protein A (IncA) of Chlamydia trachomatis at specific native cysteine sites for EPR topological studies. She aims to determine the relative orientation of the IncA dimer within the membrane.
Ashley Keller published her work on the expression and purification of IncA in the University of Virginia engineering and science research journal “The Spectrum“.
The Harrison Undergraduate Research Awards Program, administered by the Faculty Senate, funds outstanding undergraduate research projects in the spring and/or summer for current second and third-year undergraduate students. Ashley received her award to continue her successful work on Inc proteins (IncA) of Chlamydia trachomatis. Forty awards of up to $3,000 each are granted on a competitive basis.
Thien Nguyen (Bass Scholarship), Rita Digrazia (Bass Scholarship), and Ashley Keller (Departement Fellowship) received awards to conduct research this summer.