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Wesley Leung

Wesley Leung

Graduate Student (Faculty: Dr. Julea Vlassakis)

Applied Physics Graduate Program

CONTACT

wes@rice.edu

WEBSITE(S)| Vlassakis Lab

SURF Mentoring

Potential projects/topics: Ewing Sarcoma is a rare and aggressive pediatric cancer predominantly driven by an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP), EWS-FLI1. The disordered regions of EWS- FLI1 remains unresolved due to its flexibility and compatibility with traditional techniques for molecular structural resolution. We aim to conduct experiments to resolve structures of EWS- FLI1 and other IDPs using TEM microscopes. We aim to design custom sample preparation steps that include applying hydrogel-based films onto TEM grids to aid in resolving disordered regions of IDPs. Students will experience a hands-on role in experiment design, working on electron microscopy, synthesizing hydrogels into thin-film forms, understanding the fundamentals of protein-polymer interactions, and more. No prior experience is required, and instrument training will be provided.

Required qualifications or skills: Students pursuing a degree in science or engineering

Direct mentor: Graduate Student

Research Areas

We aim to advance targeted and precision therapies for pediatric cancers to increase survival rates and minimize life-long impacts of treatment. To uncover new therapeutic targets, we design and apply tools to study changes in molecular interactions at the micro and nano scales of proteins and cells. Our approach integrates micro and nanoengineering, systems & structural biology and biophysics.