Each year, CUR selects undergraduates to present their scientific research tomembers of Congress and their staffs. Jonathan will be discussing his seniorfellowship project, Peroxide Activation of the metal centers in the R2 subunitof Ribonucleotide Reductase from E. coli. The event took place Tuesday andWednesday, April 21 and 22.
Jonathan and his adviser, Assistant Professor of Chemistry Timothy Elgren,have spent the past three years exploring the chemistry associated with ametal-containing component of ribonucleotide reductase, which they have shownto be capable of diverse reactivity. Understanding this chemistry will provideinsight into the first step in the transformation of ribonucleotides todeoxyribonucleotides, the building blocks of RNA and DNA, respectively.
Jonathan's achievement is a testament to the rewards of student research.Although his first-year grades in chemistry were undistinguished, he took theinitiative to seek out summer research opportunities. With his professor'ssupport, he was awarded a Ralph E. Hansmann `40 research fellowship thatresulted not only in a new-found enthusiasm for his studies, but also anarticle in the journal Biochemistry reporting their initial results.
During his time in Washington, Jonathan was scheduled to meet with SentorDaniel Patrick Moynihan and Representatives Sherwood Boehlert and LouiseSlaughter to discuss his research. He also participated in a poster session inDirksen Senate Office Building.
