MESSINA LABORATORY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE

Messina Laboratory at the University of Delaware

Working at the interface of synthetic chemistry, (bio)materials, and chemical biology, our laboratory develops new tools and approaches to better understand biological systems.

Training

Colleagues in our group will gain a multi-disciplinary skill set that encompasses small-molecule and polymer synthesis, boron-rich cluster chemistry, characterization, microscopy, and a multitude of chemical biology techniques.

Some specific techniques prevalent in our laboratory include:

Multi-step air- and moisture-free synthesis via Schlenk technique and use of anaerobic glovebox
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Mass spectrometry
UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy
Gel permeation chromatography and multi-angle light scattering
Mammalian cell culture
Fluorescence confocal microscopy
Flow cytometry

Group Philosophy and Mentorship

The core tenet of the group is simple: Lift while you climb. It is imperative to take a keen interest and contribute to the well-being and success of others while pursuing individual goals. As such, the pervading belief is that great science is the culmination of prioritizing the mentorship and training of group members. Working in a new laboratory presents the unique opportunity for colleagues to work directly with the advisor on a daily basis, to initiate projects that will have a lasting impact, and to establish an optimal group culture.

In addition to these aspects, group members will benefit from:

Individual meetings twice a year to discuss personal and professional goals and to refine individual development plans.
Individual meetings once every two weeks to discuss project goals, data, and planning.
Weekly group meetings to develop communication skills.
Yearly 'state of the lab' retreats to update members on administrative aspects, refine research themes, and team building events.