The cooling weather and the shorter days announce the arrival of fall. It is, therefore, time to gather for our Fall Luncheon. Professor Evan Miller of UC Berkeley returns to his home turf to introduce us to chemical biology and to discuss his breakthroughs in neuronal imaging. As usual, we will recognize our fifty-year members, present our section awards and network with other chemists within our geographically sizable section. We will also remember our dear colleague Dr. A Jerome Skarnulis. Please use the form at the bottom of this page to make your reservation. We look forward to seeing you.
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2018
Time: 12:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Place: Firestone-Walker Barrelworks, 620 McMurray Rd, Buellton, CA 93427 (Google Map)
Cost: $25 regular members, $15 student members
Entree choices are steak, salmon or vegetarian. Drinks are available from the no host bar.
Title: Electrophysiology, Unplugged. Building Chemical Tools to Watch Cells in Action
Speaker: Evan W. Miller, Ph. D.
Assistant Professor, Departments of Chemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology
University of California, Berkeley
Abstract: Across all forms of life, cells spend a large portion of their energy budget to maintain unequal concentrations of ions across their plasma membranes. The resulting electrochemical potential, or transmembrane voltage, is critical for a number of fundamental cellular processes. For example, rapid changes in the transmembrane potential of neurons results in neurotransmitter release in these highly specialized brain cells. Similarly fast changes in muscle cells cause contraction and set the pacing of our heart. Even in non-excitable cells, where membrane potential changes can be much slower, voltage is linked to a variety of cell outcomes including differentiation, cell cycle, and cancer aggressiveness. Despite the importance of cellular membrane potential, we lack effective, universally-applicable methods to measure membrane potential with high speed, sensitivity, and precision. My lab has been investigating new chemical approaches to measure membrane potential in cells using fluorescent dyes. I will discuss the design, construction, and application of these new dyes for watching cells in action.
Bio: Evan is currently an assistant professor at the University of California, Berkeley. He started his research lab at Berkeley in 2013 in the departments of Chemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology. Prior to that, Evan pursued post-doctoral studies in the lab of Roger Y. Tsien at the University of California, San Diego from 2009 to 2013, and completed his Ph. D. in organic chemistry under the direction of Christopher J. Chang, also at UC Berkeley. Evan attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, earning a B.S. in biology/chemistry and a B.A. in philosophy/theology in 2004. Evan graduated from Atascadero High School in 2000.
Menu:
Appetizer: Simple Green Salad with Shallot Vinaigrette
Main Course: Grilled Steak with Maitre d’ Taproom Butter, Sautéed Veggies and Mashed Potatoes
Or Seared Ahi Tuna, Black Pepper and Sesame Seed Crusted and Mashed Potatoes
Or Pasta with Vegetables
Dessert: Homemade Lemon Cheesecake
Meal includes soft drinks.