UAB Assistant Professor Receives $2 Million Grant from NSF for Single-Molecule Study of Telomere Dynamics

Hui-Ting Lee, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Chemistry, has been awarded the National Science Foundation’s CAREER award. The Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) aims to support early-career researchers and faculty members who show potential as academic role models in research and education, as well as to lead advances within their department or organization.

Lee’s project, titled “CAREER: Single-Molecule Study of Nucleic Acid Conformational Dynamics in Telomere,” will focus on understanding how the slow folding process of non-canonical secondary structures affects telomere maintenance. The research will explore the biological function of telomeres, studying how DNA and RNA interact with each other. The education component will concentrate on advancements in RNA biology.

Receiving this award is a significant achievement for Lee, who began her work at UAB in the fall of 2019. The support she received from colleagues and friends across various departments on campus was crucial during difficult times, such as the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lee recognizes this award as an acknowledgment of the importance of her research and a responsibility to continue elevating it.

This award will provide support for Lee’s research until 2029, specifically focusing on her single molecule biophysics work. Lee views this recognition from NSF as a testament to the dedication and progress in science education within the chemistry department at UAB. Lee emphasizes the importance of teaching in the chemistry department, as it provides insight into what students and society need, guiding her research efforts.

The NSF, established by Congress in 1950, is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering across all 50 states and territories. Lee’s recognition by the NSF reaffirms the importance of her work and reflects the ongoing dedication to advancements in science education within the chemistry department at UAB.

In conclusion, Hui-Ting Lee’s recognition by NSF is a significant achievement that highlights her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge while also emphasizing teaching excellence within UAB’s Chemistry Department. Her project focuses on exploring how non-canonical secondary structures affect telomere maintenance through single molecule biophysics studies.

As an assistant professor at UAB’s College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Chemistry, Lee has already made remarkable contributions to academia since joining campus two years ago during challenging times due to COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

With this new grant funding until 2029 specifically focused on her single molecule biophysics work, Lee plans to use this opportunity not only to further explore scientific knowledge but also to teach future generations about advances in RNA biology.

Overall, Lee’s recognition by NSF serves as a testament not only to her dedication but also underscores UAB’s commitment towards advancing scientific education within its chemistry department.