Faculty
Biological Sciences has more than 60 full-time faculty members, as well as more than 20 faculty with joint appointments and 15 visiting or adjunct professors. Among its many distinctions and honors, the Ph.D. program faculty includes two members of the National Academy of Sciences, four members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and 18 holders of endowed chairs and professorships.
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Peter QinAssociate Professor of Chemistry and Biological SciencesContact Information E-mail: pzq@usc.edu Phone: (213) 821-2461 Office: LJS 251 LINKS Faculty Profile on Departmental Website Personal Website |
Education
- B.S. Physics, Peking University, China, 7/1991
- Ph.D. Biophysics, Columbia University, 1/1999
Postdoctoral Training
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow, UCLA, 02/1999-07/2002
Academic Appointment, Affiliation, and Employment History
- Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, 04/2009-
- Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, 08/2002-04/2009
Description of Research
Summary Statement of Research Interests
Professor Qin’s research focuses on understanding structure, dynamics, and function of RNA and DNA. His group has spearheaded the development and application of a unique biophysical tool, called site-directed spin labeling (SDSL), for studying nucleic acids. He has developed new SDSL methodologies driven by specific questions related to DNA and RNA, and used these expanded SDSL tools to obtain information where other methods have failed. His work aid in understanding basic biological processes, deciphering causes of human diseases, and developing novel nano-scale devices.
Research Keywords
site-directed spin labeling (SDSL), RNA, DNA, structure, dynamics, function, motors, packaging RNA
Honors and Awards
- National Science Foundation CAREER award, 2006-