Overview

Gillian Vansciver is a graduate student in the Buchanan lab, a group that delves into physical chemistry using two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy (2D IR). Her research focuses on using 2D IR to study how gold nanoparticles affect the behavior of various proteins. These proteins are not well understood and are implicated in diseases such as type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Gillian uses the transmission electron microscope in VINSE to characterize her nanoparticles and is excited to explore other tools in the facility. She is invested in learning more about how nanoscience can be applied to understand protein mechanisms and kinetics, and she hopes to empower others, especially women in STEM, to pursue their interests. As a volunteer for the NanoGuides program, Gillian aspires to encourage students to ask questions and explore scientific ideas.