My name is Liam Sharp, and I am a recent Ph.D. graduate. I studied computational biophysics at Rutgers University’s Center for Computational and I studied computational biophysics at Rutgers University’s Center for Computational and I studied computational biophysics at Rutgers University’s Center for Computational and receptor (nAChR) in neuronal and Xenopus oocyte membranes, which I am writing under thesupervision of Dr. Grace Brannigan.

My research provided insight into the nAChR lipid boundary composition in various polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich membranes using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. I ran simulations of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels in quasi-neuronal membranes containing 36 lipid species, and finding 1) lipid-nAChR interactions appear to be primarily driven by acyl-chains and secondarily by head-groups, and 2) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol form the bulk of nAChR’s boundary lipid shell.

Though my background is research-heavy, my interests lie more in scientific service, scientific education, and scientific communication. I've found teaching or training students of any age, analogy, and demonstration is key. However, having fun or making the lesson a puzzle is what helps drive both interest and retention.

During the summer of 2010, I had a summer volunteership at the Franklin Institute, and one of the defining moments was a family came into light and lasers exhibition. When closing down they were the only family left still looking and I went off script and we did a diffraction experiment. The family left planning to buy laser pointers due to their daughter's interest.

I think an ideal position for me would be working to develop new science demonstrations and digital tools, and helping to present various exhibits.