(Left to Right) Kelsey Taylor, Danielle Ablamsky, Justin Rosenberg, Rebecca LaFleur, Tara Southworth, Bruce Branchini, Audrey Davis, Paul McCarthy, Anna Bianchini

The Bioluminescence Research Group at Connecticut College is under the direction of Professor Bruce Branchini in the Department of Chemistry. Dr. Branchini has actively directed undergraduate research projects for 32 years. Of the 85 participating undergraduate students, 70% are women and ~10% are from traditionally underrepresented groups. Approximately 70% of the graduated participants entered graduate or professional school and many are now professional scientists, physicians engaged in research and academics. For more information on diversity on campus visit Unity House and the Science Leaders News Story.

The 2008 Bioluminescence Research Group at a Red Sox game

Faculty and students from the Connecticut College chemistry department spend the day at Trinity meeting the school's summer research students. From left to right: Audrey Davis, Xin Li, Alec Keon, and Julie Rosenman.

Students from Connecticut College or from other institutions who are interested in summer research are encouraged to contact Professor Branchini.

Bruce Branchini, Ph.D.
Hans and Ella McCollum '21 Vahlteich Professor of Chemistry

Tara Southworth, B.S., Research Technician
I received a B.S. in Molecular and Cell Biology from University of Connecticut in 1996. I then received a Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Diagnostic Genetic Sciences. I have previous experience in solid tumor research, cytogenetics, and molecular genetics. My current research focuses on examining a proposed domain rotation of luciferase through site-directed mutagenesis and fluorescence studies. Outside of the lab, I enjoy walking my dog, reading, and spending time with my two sons.

Danielle Ablamsky, M.A., Research Technician
I earned my B.A. in Molecular Biology from Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania in 1999 and my M.A. in Cell and Molecular Biology from Boston University in 2002. I was a laboratory instructor for basic biology labs as well as anatomy and physiology lab coordinator while at Boston University. My current research focuses on site-directed and random mutagenesis of firefly luciferase. Presently, our lab has developed a thermostable red- and blue- shifted version of firefly luciferase. Outside of lab I enjoy reading, being outdoors and sports.

Justin Rosenberg, B.A., Research Technician
I graduated from Connecticut College in 2007 with a major in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB). The BCMB program allowed me to perfectly blend my interests in both chemistry and biology. As an undergraduate I performed research under Professor Marc Zimmer, studying firefly luciferase through computational modeling and analysis. Current research involves studying firefly luciferase domain rotation, designing single-Cys and single-Trp mutants, and measuring thermostability of enzymes with introduced electrostatic interactions. Outside of lab I like to spend time at the beach, swimming, fishing, and boating, playing lacrosse, and sculpting.

Audrey Davis, BA, Research Technician
I graduated from Connecticut College in May 2009 with a major in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) major and a minor in Religious Studies. I joined the Bioluminescence Research Group in the spring semester of 2007, and shortly thereafter traveled to Italy to perform collaborative research with graduate students at the University of Bologna. In subsequent years I presented two posters at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR), and completed an honors thesis titled “Improved Red-emitting Firefly Luciferase Mutant for Biotechnical Applications.” In my free time I enjoy hiking, yoga, and jumping in cold ocean water without acclimatizing.

Rebecca LaFleur, BS, Research Technician
I received a B.S. in Molecular and Cell Biology with a minor in Chemistry from University of Connecticut in 2008. As an undergraduate I performed research focusing on cellular motility and the cytoskeleton. Current research focuses on creating and characterizing mutant firefly luciferases. Some of my hobbies include horseback riding, sailing, skiing, and hiking.

Kelsey Taylor, '11, Undergraduate Research Student
I am a member of the Class of 2011, majoring in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology. I joined the Bioluminescense Research Group during the second semester of my freshman year and have continued to work over the summers and academic years. In March of 2009 I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Italy and witness collaborative research done at the University of Bologna, including mice imaging studies utilizing a recently developed luciferase mutant. This summer, of 2009, I am spending time at the Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute in Buffalo, NY in collaborator Dr. Andrew Gulick's lab. Here I am learning x-ray crystallography and working on getting crystal structures of a few luciferase mutants. I have thoroughly enjoyed working in the lab, and I am looking forward to my next two years at Conn. Outside of the lab, I enjoy running as a member of the Conn Cross Country and Track Teams, watching chick flicks, and tap dancing. Following graduation, I plan to attend graduate school for pharmacology and/or biomedical sciences.

Samantha Linder, ’11, Undergraduate Research Student
I am a Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology major (BCMB). I began working in Dr. Branchini’s lab the first semester of my freshman year and am continuing to do database work, as well as working on an independent study. In the spring of 2009 Kelsey Taylor and I had the opportunity to travel to Italy, where we experienced the country’s beautiful culture, as well as visited Dr. Roda's lab in Bologna. We observed our lab’s human-codon optimized luciferase being used to trace cancerous tumors in mice. It was an eye-opening and irreplaceable experience. I love the lab environment, along with the great people that work in it. I also enjoy cooking, and writing/performing music. I am a member of MOBROC (Musicians Organized for Band Rights On Campus), and play at various shows on-campus. My hopes are to attend graduate school and pursue the study of dietetics/food science. Or become a rock star.

Canissa Grant, ’12, Undergraduate Research Student
My interest in science all began when I was in sixth grade. At Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School, I seized the opportunity to do summer research programs. In my freshman and sophomore year, I completed a two-part summer program at the pharmaceutical company Biogen Idec. I worked with scientists on genetic transformation and creating cell lines for pluripotent stems cells. For all four years of high school, I participated in the Massachusetts State Science Fair competitions. My favorite project was the one I did during my junior year. I worked with a post-doctorate fellow at MIT on characterizing bacteriophages that we isolated from the Charles River. It was so fascinating to see many different kinds of bacteriophages under an electron microscope. For the project, my partner and I received an honorable mention. At Connecticut College, I am currently participating in the NSF S-STEM grant. Currently, in Dr. Branchini’s lab, I am learning about the various projects that involve reactions with luciferase and luciferin. I really look forward to engaging in these projects and expanding my knowledge about science while I’m at Connecticut College. I enjoy reading biographies, playing volleyball and hanging out with my friends and family.

Paul McCarthy 12’ Undergraduate Research Student
I am a Biochemistry Molecular and Cellular Biology Major in the class of 2012. I started working in Dr. Branchini's lab spring 2009, and I continued on to join his summer research group. Currently I am working on a project about Luciferase conformations. I am an avid sailor and trombonist as well, having done both for over four years. I also enjoy running and competing in road races. My goal is to go on to a PhD program and to continue doing research on the graduate level.

Anna Bianchini, 11’, Undergraduate Research Student
I am an American Chemical Society (ACS) Chemistry major. I joined the Bioluminescence Research lab the second semester of my sophomore year. Currently I'm studying the hinge rotation of firefly luciferase. After graduating from Connecticut College, I plan to attend graduate school. Outside of lab, I spend my time hanging out with friends, shopping, and going to the beach in the summer.

Summer 2008

Members of the BRG, 2008: (From left to right) Justin Rosenberg, Canissa Grant, Danielle Ablamsky, Kelsey Taylor, Bruce Branchini, Audrey Davis, Tara Southworth, and Samantha Linder.

Summer 2006

(From left to right) Bruce Branchini, Julie Rosenman, Lerna Uzasci, Tara Southworth, Beto Zuniga, Sloan Devlin, and Danielle Ablamsky.

Summer 2005

(From left to right) Tara Southworth, Martha Murtiashaw, Danielle Ablamsky, Bruce Branchini, Lerna Uzasci, Hugo Fraga, Jennifer DeAngelis and Adrian Idrizi.

Summer 2004

(From left to right) Chen Jiang, Susan Gonzalez, Bruce Branchini, Martha Murtiashaw, Tara Southworth, Neelum Khattak, Emily Mygatt and Elisa Michelini.

Summer 2002

(From left to right) Sara Wilkinson, Maria Ruggiero, Susan Gonzalez, Jill Carmody, Bruce Branchini, Martha Murtiashaw, Neelum Khattak and Tara Southworth.