Richard Owczarzy

Nucleic acids are present in every living organism.  These diverse biomolecules fold into various structures, store genetic information, regulate cell processes and engage in a myriad of interactions.   The number of unique DNA sequences and their interactions grow enormously with increasing numbers of bases.  It is therefore necessary to obtain large experimental data sets if physical and binding properties of nucleic acids are to be studied as a function of base sequence, ligands, and environment.  My research group collects and analyzes DNA data on large scale using traditional and novel techniques.  We have developed unique hardware, software, and database systems to increase efficiency and productivity.  In our research, we use various biophysical and molecular biology techniques, including UV spectroscopy, fluorescence, circular dichroism, differential scanning calorimetry, PCR, capillary electrophoresis, and mass spectroscopy.  In addition, we create advanced software that uses new models and algorithms. My biophysics group is part of Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc.  Our findings are regularly reported in peer-review literature.