Macosko Research Group Jed Macosko macoskjc@wfu.edu Assistant Professor of Physics Full CV Department of Physics Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC 27109 Office:      215 Olin Physical Laboratory Lab:       213 Olin Physical Laboratory Phone:      (336) 758-4981 Fax:      (336) 758-6142

Research Interests:
Research in the Macosko group is focused on understanding the mechanics of protein machines. We use techniques, including atomic force microscopy (AFM), single molecule fluorescence microscopy and motion-enhanced differential interference contrast light microscopy (MEDIC), to study how protein motors use chemical fuel to power their work cycle. One of our strategies in this effort is to use force and temperature to slow down or speed up the movements of the motors. This gives us information about the potential energy surface corresponding to the rate limiting mechanical transition in the molecular motor. Our long-term goal is the identification of precise mechanical-chemical couplings in molecular machines and the characterization of the overall pathways of their physical motion.
(For details on projects, see Research.)

Teaching Interests:
Mechanics, thermodynamics, biophysics, protein structure and function.
(For details on WFU courses, see Teaching.)

Student Projects:
Graduate and undergraduate research projects for students in biophysics, biochemistry, or structural biology can be found in my laboratory. Students can study the relationship between structure, chemical activity, and mechanical motion of a particular protein machine or family of protein motors. Molecular motors in the kinesin family are of particular interest. Students can use a number of different techniques to study these motors, such as MEDIC or AFM in combination with single molecule fluorescence, microscopy with FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer). If you are interested, please contact me.

Blurb from the Physics Department's welcome
"The Wake Forest University Department of Physics is delighted to welcome its newest faculty member, Jed Macosko. Jed comes to us from the University of New Mexico. He received his B.S. from MIT and his Ph.D. from UC-Berkeley. Dr. Macosko studies protein motors and machines, mapping their potential energy surfaces. Surveying and mapping the potential energy surfaces of protein machines is essential for understanding their function and for developing drugs to halt their activity. Dr. Macosko wowed the department with his exceptional demonstration of teaching during his interview here."

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