" The Robinson laboratory is interested in understanding the fundamental interactions between molecules, both in isolation and in the complex environment of the cell. We use our growing understanding to design proteins with more robust or novel properties and to engineer cellular systems for improved production or drug screening applications. To this end, we are investigating the determinants of protein folding and misfolding, on both an atomic and molecular level. We have developed several novel approaches to inhibiting protein misfolding and aggregation. Additionally, we are designing cellular systems for optimal expression of membrane proteins, and antibodies.Our approach uses techniques in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and biophysical chemistry to identify and study macromolecules at both an atomic and cellular level. Mechanistic modeling guides us in experimental design and analysis. We use both prokaryotic, or bacterial, systems as well as eukaryotic systems, such as yeast or mammalian cells. A major goal of this research is to establish a set of cellular systems that could express any protein of interest. The research in the laboratory has focus areas in protein stability, expression, and aggregation for biotechnology and biomedical applications. "