Research

Our work impacts everything from human health to the global food supply.

Solving Big Problems Through Team Science

Our experts collaborate with scientists on- and off-campus in a number of disciplines related to our research training strengths: Molecular and Systems Biology, Structural and Analytical Biochemistry, and Metabolism and Disease.

And our cutting-edge research environment is like no other.

We host a comprehensive program in macromolecular structure determination that encompasses nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, neutron diffraction, cryo-electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, and multiple contemporary analytical technology platforms that support the functional characterization of biological structures and systems.

Research Training Areas

Molecular and Systems Biology

Research and training in molecular and systems biology focuses on understanding gene expression and molecular details of plant, animal, and microbial systems.

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Structural and Analytical Biochemistry

Research and training centers on detailed structural and functional analysis of macromolecules using sophisticated modern technologies.

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Metabolism and Disease

Research and training opportunities examine central metabolic pathways important for normal processes in plants and animals, and their alterations in various disease states.

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Strengthening Research with
Shared Resources

The Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development (ORIED) oversees five University Core Shared Research Facilities that house a variety of state-of-the-art instruments. Each of these facilities are staffed by scientists that offer hands-on training, specialized research services and project consultation.

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The latest University Core Research Facility, termed the Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center (METRIC), will launch in July 2018. METRIC is focused on chemical and biochemical structural characterization utilizing mass spectrometry, magnetic resonance spectroscopy and x-ray crystallography. METRIC is the result of a partnership among the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Sciences, and the Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development. Additional instruments will be acquired over the years that will dramatically increase technical capabilities as well as sample throughput. Our goal is for METRIC to become the leading chemical and biochemical characterization facility in the Southeast.

Learn more about METRIC

METRIC Provides Access to Instrumentation

This story by NC State News describes how METRIC "aims to alleviate this economic burden by making state-of-the-art, scientific infrastructure and instrumentation such as mass spectrometry, magnetic resonance and X-ray crystallography available to all departments and faculty."

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Our Researchers Think and Do the Extraordinary Every Day

Feb 21, 2018

Faculty Focus: Cancer Researcher Aims to Alleviate Suffering

Melanie Simpson, head of the Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, is internationally recognized for her research on mechanisms of prostate cancer progression and metastasis. But it’s her determination and passion for her work that continue to move her research forward.

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Feb 2, 2018

Faculty Focus: Fighting to Save Cassava

Trino Ascencio-Ibanez and his colleagues are hard at work – with the help of two major grants – protecting the food supply for an entire continent.

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Nov 21, 2016

Husband-Wife Team Pioneers Zika Vaccine to Last a Lifetime

Drs. Dennis Brown and Raquel Hernandez are testing a one-shot vaccine that could grant lifetime immunity against the widely feared Zika virus.

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