Kathryn McElroy

Background

About Kathryn McElroy

I am a consultant in the biotech industry. I apply my expertise in protein engineering and enzymology to provide individualized solutions to my clients. As an assistant professor at American University, I led a research program focused on computational solutions to enzyme design. The purpose of my research was primarily as a teaching tool to complement the formal classroom studies of the undergraduate and Master's students at American University. I developed courses and taught chemistry and biochemistry to undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students. Research students coded evolutionary protein sequence tools, and tested predictions through site-directed mutagenesis, protein purification, and enzyme kinetics. The work elaborated on my dissertation research on aminotransferases with Jack Kirsch at UC Berkeley, a key enzyme essential to the metabolism of all organisms. I studied a dozen evolutionarily-related aminotransferases with both in vitro enzyme kinetics and in vivo bacterial growths studies; predicted substrate specificity from computational sequence analysis, and performed structure-function studies and x-ray crystallographic structure studies of re-designed aminotransferases. My postdoctoral research in Phil Cole's lab at the Johns Hopkins Medical School focused on a class of enzymes involved in cancer (tyrosine kinases). Specifically, I performed chemical rescue on this class of proteins, a technique where the activity of an engineered loss-of-function enzyme is regained through addition of specific small molecules. As a consultant, I bring the hands-on and theoretical experience of enzymology, protein redesign, sequence and structure analysis, as well as a thorough understanding of the biochemical systems of living organisms. I enjoy delving into literature reviews, where I can learn and incorporate my existing knowledge to help my clients find the information they need to succeed. One of the projects I am proud of outside of the sciences is co-founding and continuing in a leadership position for the Synergy Homeschool Cooperative. We have provided affordable weekly enrichment opportunities and classes for Fresno-area homeschoolers since 2014.