Research in our lab lies at the interface of chemistry and biology, with an eye towards understanding and treating human diseases.  We use interdisciplinary approaches in organic synthesis, biochemistry, cell biology, chemical proteomics, protein engineering, and molecular imaging to investigate the biological mechanisms underlying post-translational modifications that are key to cancer, neuron degeneration, and immune disorders.  On the chemistry side, we are interested in synthetic methodology for novel bioorthogonal reactions, and the design and multi-step synthesis of innovative chemical probes for the labeling and modulation of post-translational modifications on proteins as well as sometimes the interacting proteins for particular therapeutics of interest.  This quest could lead to the invention of novel diagnostics and therapeutics. On the biology side, we are VERY interested in dissecting the new proteins and protein-protein interactions involved in post-translational modification mediated cellular events such as cell migration, differentiation, and immune activation, which are closely related to human diseases including cancer metastasis, neuron degeneration, and inflammatory disorders, etc.   Interdisciplinary approaches such as molecular cloning, biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, molecular imaging, quantitative proteomics, and animal modeling are currently utilized to identify new proteins and protein interactions, and to functionally annotate their roles in disease-related biochemical/cellular signaling.  These proteins and protein-protein interactions could be novel therapeutic targets to revolutionize future therapy.   Students have the opportunity to work in various areas spanning from chemical synthesis to biochemistry and cell biology.  The training is expected to help students achieve well-rounded skill sets and a strong publication record in either chemistry, biology, or interdisciplinary areas such as chemical biology.