Development of an Interactive Chemical Biology Laboratory Based on Protein Delivery Machines

An urgent and unmet need exists in the chemistry department to update and improve 10-year-old chemical biology modules 4 and 5. Modules are the laboratory component of the chemistry undergraduate program, independent of the core lecture courses, and inspired by technologies and research currently underway at MIT. Current and past undergraduates have expressed a strong interest and desire for more training in chemical biology. This educational need is supported and expressed by faculty and administrators in the department. Broadly, this need exists because the traditional boundaries between disciplines are becoming increasingly diffuse. With that said, we believe that in order to train and educate chemists and others for future cutting-edge careers the department must offer curriculum to meet these changes. This is the main reason why we seek support from the Alumni Funds for development.