Research Overview
Bioanalytical Chemistry, Mass Spectrometry, Proteomics, Ion Mobility Spectrometry
Insight to the mechanisms of aging and immunosenescence with proteomics
The Robinson group utilizes biochemistry, analytical, and bioinformatics tools to analyze complex mixtures isolated from mammalian and human systems. Aging is one of our interest areas because a fundamental understanding of this phenomenon is lacking. One particular detriment of human aging is “immunosenescence”, the inevitable loss of functional capacity within the immune system. This phenomenon is associated with the pathogenesis of age-related diseases including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and muscular/skeletal disorders, and leads to a greater susceptibility to infections, tumors, and possibly cancer. We are using proteomics to delineate the molecular basis of aging and peripheral immune system changes which occur during aging. Investigating the aspects of successful aging and immunosenescence allows us to 1) understand the factors that change in response to the onset of abnormalities or disease, including age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and, 2) identify novel targets that may be useful as anti-aging therapeutics and as preventative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Awards
- 2015 ASMS Emerging Investigator by the Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry
- 2014 Lloyd N. Ferguson Young Scientist Award, National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers
- 2012 Keystone Conference Symposium Early Career Travel Award
- 2010 Summer Research Internship Best Mentor Award, Pitt EXCEL Program
- 2010 Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh Starter Grant Award
- 2008 United Negro College Fund/Merck Research Science Postdoctoral Fellowship
- 2008 11th International Congress of Alzheimer’s Disease Travel Fellowship
- 2007 & 2008 Lyman T. Johnson Postdoctoral Fellowship
- UNCF/Merck Research Science Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2008-2009
- Lyman T. Johnson Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2007-2009
- Department of Chemistry, Kraft Fellowship, 2005
- Department of Education, Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need Fellowship, 2001-2002 and 2004