Authored by
Dylan R. Weaver
Title

Dylan R. Weaver

Pronouns
he/him/his
Placeholder for titles
Assistant Professor

Contact Information

Office
Phillips Science Hall 239
Phone
Email
Hours
Fall 2024:
Mon 2:00-4:00 PM
Wed 3:00-4:00 PM
Other times by appointment on Canvas.
Walk-ins are always welcome!
Biography

Biography

I was born and raised in western Kentucky, where I’ve always had a love for science. During my undergraduate years, I have always been fascinated with teaching students about the physics of how our world works. Eventually, I discovered that I also wanted to teach students tangible skills to use beyond the classroom. While in graduate school, I was drawn to the idea of using the techniques of physics to tackle interesting questions in biology/biochemistry. The result was becoming the "biophysicist" that I am today!

Currently, I am applying atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study the forces and dynamics associated with peptides (short proteins) and lipid membranes, a fundamental biological interaction. I am also exploring this computationally, utilizing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations that validate results in the lab. I'm always interested in developing projects that cater to students' interests and skillsets to help them learn and grow.

When I'm not camped out in the lab, I can usually be found disc golfing, playing board and video games with friends, or singing choral music!

Education

Education

  • 2024 - Ph.D. Physics - University of Missouri
  • 2022 - M.S. Physics - University of Missouri
  • 2022 - Graduate Certificate in College Teaching - University of Missouri
  • 2019 - B.S. Physics & Mathematics - Murray State University
Teaching and Research Interests

Teaching and Research Interests

Teaching Interests

  • Introductory Physics
  • Thermal Physics
  • Electromagnetics

Research Interests

  • Single Molecule Biophysics
  • Atomic Force Microscopy/Spectroscopy
  • Peptide-Lipid Interactions
  • Molecular Dynamics
Published Research

Published Research

Chain-Length Dependence of Peptide–Lipid Bilayer Interaction Strength and Binding Kinetics: A Combined Theoretical and Experimental Approach Ryan S. Smith*, Dylan R. Weaver*, Gavin M. King, Ioan Kosztin, (* Equal Contribution). Langmuir, vol. 40(28), 2024, pp. 14467-14475

Atomic force microscope kymograph analysis: A case study of two membrane proteins Dylan R. Weaver, Katherine G. Schaefer, Gavin M. King. Methods, vol. 223, 2024, pp. 83-94

Atomic Force Microscopy Reveals Complexity Underlying General Secretory System Activity Dylan R. Weaver, Gavin M. King. International Journal of Molecular Science, vol. 24(1), 2023, p. 55

The conformations and basal conformational dynamics of translocation factor SecDF vary with translocon SecYEG interaction Dylan R. Weaver, Divya N. Amin, Gavin M. King. Journal of Biological Chemistry, vol. 298(10), 2022