Mathew Tantama
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Interested in protein engineering, optical sensors, Parkinson’s disease, brain injury, teaching introductory chemistry and biochemistry.
My research projects study aberrant signaling, oxidative stress, and metabolic stress that occurs in the brain. In particular, I am interested in developing new technology that will help us understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodegeneration and immune responses in models of Parkinson’s disease and brain injury. To do this we use techniques of protein engineering to develop new fluorescent protein-based sensors that can be used with live-cell microscopy to visualize and quantify cellular physiology. Students working in my research group learn skills in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, mammalian cell culture, and microscopy.
I enjoy teaching Introductory Chemistry and Biochemistry courses.
I am also very interested in evidence-based teaching practices.
In my free time I enjoy hiking and traveling.
Education
- B.S., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Current and upcoming courses
Chemical Analysis and Equilibrium with Laboratory
CHEM205
This course builds on the principles introduced in CHEM 105, with an emphasis on chemical equilibrium and analysis, and their role in the chemistry of the environment. Topics include chemical reactions in aqueous solution with particular emphasis on acids and bases; solubility and complexation; electrochemistry; modeling of complex equilibrium and kinetic systems; statistical analysis of data; and solid state chemistry. The laboratory work includes additional experience with instrumental and noninstrumental methods of analysis, sampling, and solution equilibria.
This course has a required co-requisite laboratory - CHEM 205L.
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Fundamentals of Biochemistry with Laboratory
CHEM223
This course brings together the fundamental multidisciplinary concepts governing life at the molecular level and opens a gateway to advanced biochemistry offerings. Grounded in an understanding of aqueous equilibria, thermodynamic, kinetic, and spectroscopic principles, the course will emphasize the structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. The laboratory introduces modern laboratory techniques for the study of biomolecules and develops experimental design and critical data analysis skills. The laboratory component can be of particular value to students planning or engaged in independent research and those considering graduate level work related to biochemistry. This course counts toward Chemistry or Biochemistry major requirements. (BIOC 223 and CHEM 223 are cross-listed courses.)