Conference Talks

  1. Battle, C.H., Meyer S., Fisher, A.J. "Fluorescent proteins & fluorescent DNA sensors: A colorful semester of CURE" 2020 Biennial Conference on Chemical Education. Abstract accepted March 31, 2020. Because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Biennial Conference on Chemical Education was terminated on April 2, 2020, by the Executive Committee of the Division of Chemical Education, American Chemical Society; and, therefore, this presentation could not be given as intended.

    Abstract

  2. Battle, C.H. "DNA-based fluorescent sensors: Developing a course-embedded undergraduate research experience." Oral Presentation, 74th Annual Northwest Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Portland, OR, June 17th 2019.

    Abstract

  3. Battle, C.H. “DNA-based sensors: A semester long research project as an upper-division biochemistry lab”. Oral Presentation, 255th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, New Orleans, LA, March 21st, 2018.

    Abstract

  4. Battle, C.H., Vik, R. Schmidt, E. Jayawickramarajah, J. “Chemistry in the community: Developing community partners in New Orleans”. Oral Presentation, 255th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, New Orleans, LA, March 21st, 2018.

  5. Battle, C.H., Chu, X.C., Jayawickramarajah, J. “Micro-RNA-21 responsive DNA nanostructures for sensing and therapeutics”. Oral Presentation, 67th Annual Southeastern/71st Annual Southwestern Joint Regional ACS Meeting, November 7th, 2015.

  6. Battle, C.H. "Oligonucleotides as Input Responsive Scaffolds for Smart Therapeutics & Biosensors". Invited Seminar, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, April 19th, 2013.

  7. Shaner, T.V., Battle, C.H., Jayawickramarajah, J., Mitchell, B., Fink, M. “Synthesis of DNA-silicon nanoparticle conjugates”. Paper Presentation, 245th American Chemical Society National Meeting, April 11th, 2013.

  8. Battle, Cooper H. “Supramolecular Approaches to the Inhibition of Protein-Protein Interactions”, Departmental Seminar, Tulane University, September 29th, 2010.

  9. Battle, Cooper H. “VT-NMR Analysis of Complex Organic Systems”, Paper Presentation, Louisiana Academy of Sciences 83rd Annual Meeting, February 27, 2009.

  10. Battle, Cooper H. “Stereospecificity in Cu Catalyzed Allylic Amination”, Paper Presentation, Louisiana Academy of Sciences 82nd Annual Meeting, March 2008.

Fluorescent Proteins & Fluorescent DNA Sensors: A Colorful Semester of CURE

In this talk we will discuss experiences with a modular, scaffolded biochemistry CURE, which involves two sequential in-depth projects. While both have been run independently in prior years, they have recently been paired to form a single semester-long lab experience where skills learned in one project transfer into the second. The two projects introduce students to experimental design and make use of highly visible fluorescence to demonstrate fundamental principles of biochemistry lab techniques. In an initial fluorescent protein laboratory sequence, students are introduced to important biochemical techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), recombinant protein overexpression in E.coli, and protein purification by affinity chromatography. A modular project design allows for simple modification to address a variety of specific student learning objectives. Different fluorescent proteins are used, which helps students engage with the material and allows connections to be made between protein structure and function (fluorescent properties). As the module progresses students are expected to develop greater levels of independence, building to the second project: a DNA sensor CURE.

In the subsequent fluorescent DNA sensors lab, students are challenged to use an existing sensor framework based on nucleic acid strand exchange to design a unique sensor that could be used to sense the presence of cancers based on a target micro-RNA. Students do initial work in the literature to select targets, design a sensor for a specific application, and then design and carry out a series of experiments showing the sensor function with regard to that application. Since the content is less familiar (regulatory RNA and nucleic acid folding), students learn how to work in a new area through applying skills they already know. We will present overviews of the two labs, and discuss challenges and adjustments made in response to student feedback, as well as qualitative data from student responses.

Updated June 2020, ® Cooper Battle