Biography

Websites:
Website
Research with Rowan

Education:
Postdoctoral, University of Pennsylvania
Ph.D., Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania
M.S., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of New Hampshire
B.S., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of New Hampshire

Research Expertise:
Protein Biophysics | Spectroscopy | Drug Development

Nucci Lab is interested in basic studies about how life works at the molecular level and applied studies aimed at improving the way we design interventions to address disease. Our molecular studies focus on understanding how the structure and structural fluctuations of proteins impact their function. We are also interested in how the environment inside the cell and how interactions with water impact these properties of proteins. Our applied work aims to improve approaches for delivery of protein-based therapeutics, synthesis of nanoparticles (including those with proteins attached to them), and improved methods for developing drugs that bind to receptor proteins.

Teaching Narrative:
My teaching approaches emphasize applied and experiential learning. I incorporate examples from recent discoveries as often as possible, and I believe strongly in helping students learn about science by doing science.

Honors and Awards:  
Gary J. Hunter Excellence in Mentoring Award, 2024
College of Science and Mathematics Excellence in Academic Student Support Award, 2022

Professional Memberships:
Biophysical Society
American Chemical Society
American Physical Society

Selected Publications:
Stackhouse, Crystal I.; Pierson, Kali N.; Labrecque, Courtney L.; Mawson, Cara; Berg, Joshua; Fuglestad, Brian; and Nucci, Nathaniel V. Characterization of 10MAG/LDAO Reverse Micelles: Understanding Versatility for Protein Encapsulation. Biophysical Chemistry (2024) 311, 107269, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpc.2024.107269

Sanders, Alyssa B; Zangaro, Jacob T; Webber, Nakoa K; Calhoun, Ryan P; Richards, Elizabeth A; Ricci, Samuel L; Work, Hannah M; Yang, Daniel D; Casey, Kaitlyn R; Iovine, Joseph C; Baker, Gabriella, Douglas, Taylor V; Dutko, Sierra B; Fasano, Thomas J; Lofland, Sarah A; Rajan, Ashley A; Vasile, Mihaela A; Carone, Benjamin R; Nucci, Nathaniel V. Optimization of Biocompatibility for a Hydrophilic Biological Molecule Encapsulation System. Molecules. (2022) 27(5):1572. doi: 10.3390/molecules27051572. PMID: 35268673; PMCID: PMC8911823.

Marques, Bryan S.; Stetz, Matthew A.; Jorge, Christine; Valentine, Kathleen G.; Wand, A. Joshua; Nucci, Nathaniel V. Protein conformational entropy is not slaved to water. Scientific Reports (2020) 10(1):17587. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-74382-5.

Gallo, Pamela N.; Iovine, Joseph C., Nucci, Nathaniel V. Toward comprehensive measurement of protein hydration dynamics: Facilitation of NMR-based methods by reverse micelle encapsulation. Methods. (2018) 148:146-153.

O'Brien, Evan S.; Nucci, Nathaniel V.; Fuglestad, Brian; Tommos, Cecilia; Wand, A. Joshua. Defining the apoptotic trigger: the interaction of cytochrome c and cardiolipin. Journal of Biological Chemistry (2015) 90(52):30879-87.