I obtained my Ph.D. in the field of antibody structural biology from the University
of Victoria (2005-2010). My postdoctoral work was carried out at the University of
Alberta (2010-2013) in the field of membrane protein structural biology.
I have been a faculty member at Fresno State since 2013. My research program is focused
on using structural biology to understand the interaction of antibodies and nanobodies
with their antigens. I teach a variety of biochemistry courses (CHEM 150, CHEM 155A,
CHEM 3B, CHEM 240T, CHEM 156). I'm also an avid rock climber, alpinist and hiker.
Areas of Specialty
Antibodies Biotechnology – Structural biology, Antibody Engineering and Protein Science
Antibodies are immune system proteins which help our bodies fight infection. The ability
to rapidly produce antibodies in the lab has allowed scientists to generate antibodies
not only destroy infections, but can also be used to kill cancer cells. This approach
to treatment is called immunotherapy has revolutionized medicine.
The Brooks lab research program aims to understand the molecular basis for how antibodies
bind their targets. We primarily use an approach called X-ray crystallography, which
allows atomic resolution analysis of antibody structure and interactions. We use this
information to inform antibody engineering and design of next-generation antibody
drugs. We have research projects in multiple areas, including, oncology, infectious
disease and biotechnology applications.
Antibody biotechnology
Structure based engineering of therapeutic antibodies for cancer immunotherapy.
