Biography
Dr. Karen A. Lewis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Texas State University in San Marcos, TX.
Research Interests
Dr. Lewis' research interests focus on the specificity of interactions between biological macromolecules, in particular the protein-protein and protein-RNA assemblies that regulate translation. One of the Lewis Lab’s major projects is to characterize the structure and functions of the RNA-binding protein LaRP6 using a comparative phylogenetic-biochemical approach. A related project is an integrated biophysical analysis of the role of phase separation in regulating the function of nucleic acid-binding proteins, using both computational and experimental methods.
Teaching Interests
In addition to formal courses, Dr. Lewis directs two undergraduate training programs, the NIH-funded Texas State U-RISE Program and NSF-supported CheMIE REU. Both programs prepare students from marginalized populations for graduate school and careers in the chemical and biomedical sciences through integrated laboratory research experiences and professional development.