Sarah Partovi

Lab: Peters (4th year)

Research: My research is focused on the elucidation of the coenzyme M (CoM) biosynthetic pathway in a bacterium, Xanthobacter autotrophicus Py2. CoM was previously thought to be involved only in archaeal methanogenesis, until it was found to play a crucial role in bacterial alkene metabolism. The pathway for archaeal CoM biosynthesis has been mostly elucidated, save for the role of the enzyme that catalyzes the final reaction. Despite what is known about alkene metabolism in X. autotrophicus Py2, the pathway for CoM biosynthesis still remains uncharacterized. 

Hometown: Aurora, IL

Undergraduate Degree:  Utah Valley University, B.S. in Biotechnology, Graduated in Spring 2012

Hobbies:  Running, climbing, hiking, painting, reading, and developing skills in the culinary arts.

Future Plans: Ideally, I would find myself somewhere that places emphasis on bioremediation. Throughout my life, fields with a positive environmental impact have always been the most attractive to me. After obtaining my doctorate, I would like to get involved in projects that focus on at-risk ecological niches or other crisis zones. 

 

[email protected]

Chemistry and Biochemistry Building

Peters Lab, Room 226