A unique workshop for researchers interested in using emerging technologies in synthetic and chemical biology to create proteins with non-canonical amino acids (unnatural proteins) will be offered July 31 – August 5, 2017 by Dr. Ryan Mehl, Director of the Unnatural Protein Facility at Oregon State University. As part of the broader impacts of research supported by the Molecular Biophysics cluster of the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (#MCB – 1518265), Dr. Mehl created a week-long Genetic Code Expansion (GCE) workshop. Combining lectures, such as “GCE: When things don’t work, ‘the good, the bad, the ugly,’” with hands-on training in GCE techniques in the lab, workshop attendees will receive the best of what the Unnatural Protein Facility resource provides researchers year-round. Dr. Mehl is experienced in using the technology in his own research to design unnatural proteins and in training collaborators for more than ten years.

The workshop is the ideal opportunity for those who want to learn GCE techniques, are having trouble succeeding with GCE, want up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge about GCE, or are curious about GCE and want to start out on the right foot when using unnatural proteins in their own research. The interactive format of the workshop not only provides technical know-how, but also allows researchers to learn from each other’s successes and failures, spark ideas, and foster relationships that can develop into collaborations.

To get the most out of the experience, a background in biochemistry and a working knowledge of protein expression techniques are necessary. The workshop is designed for professors, post-doctoral researchers, and graduate students, although advanced undergraduate students have previously attended. Participation is limited and spaces are going fast, so if you are interested, apply today. Registration fees increase after July 1. For more details, including how to apply, visit the website here.