Rama Kannan
second-year graduate student
E-mail: kannanra@missouri.edu
Lab
Undergraduate/master's work
I have a BSc in Nutrition and MS in Biochemistry from Seethalakshmi Ramaswamy college, Tamilnadu, India.
Home country
India.
Research
Structure- functions of eye lens proteins-crystallins; and protein-protein interactions in young, adult and aged lenses.
Techniques
Protein interaction study using cross linkers, hydrophobic probes and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assays .Secondary structural studies using circular dichroism (CD) spectrometer. Associative properties of crystallins using multi-angle light scattering. HPLC, gel filtration, affinity, Ion exchange chromatography and general protein techniques.
Why Mizzou
I am attracted to Mizzou based on its reputation with a wide variety of academic programs. Arts, Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Law, Business, Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine are all on one campus.
Faculty support
I was employed in India after I graduated in 1996. I thought it would be difficult to get back into the US academic life after many years, but the faculty has been welcoming and helpful so I've found it easy to settle in.
Favorite parts of Mizzou biochemistry
Most faculty members are members of interdisciplinary programs, an academically vibrant class room and research atmosphere, availability of faculty for good advice and consultation, opportunities for students to study in variety of fields, shared research interests are cultivated by collaborations, and weekly seminars.
Best things about Columbia
A great university town, rich with its own traditions, youthful demographics, an ideal mix of low cost living, less congestion above all, a Mizzou-centric appeal.
Outside the lab
I like to read and listen to Indian music.
Career plans?
I wish to pursue a career in teaching and research.