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
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.
This course has a required co-requisite laboratory - BIOC 223L/CHEM 223L.
(BIOC 223 and CHEM 223 are cross-listed courses.)-
Fundamentals of Chemistry with Laboratory
CHEM105P
This course is designed for students interested in pursuing further study in the physical and biological sciences, as well as those wishing an introduction to modern molecular science. Core principles and applications of chemistry are combined to provide students with a conceptual understanding of chemistry that will help them in both their professional and everyday lives. Topics include principles of nuclear chemistry, atomic and molecular structure, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, and chemical kinetics. The laboratory work introduces students to synthesis and structural determination by infrared and other spectroscopic techniques, periodic properties, computational chemistry, statistical analysis, and various quantitative methods of analysis. This course is intended for students who do not meet the prerequisites for CHEM 105 or for students who, because of their previous chemistry and math experiences, would appreciate additional academic support for the study of introductory chemistry. Includes two additional class meetings each week. Students in CHEM 105P must enroll in CHEM 105P lab.