Laurie Parker

Professor Laurie L. Parker serves as a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics at the University of Minnesota. She also holds the position of Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education in the College of Biological Sciences. Her research focuses on developing innovative biosensor technologies to study protein phosphorylation, particularly by tyrosine kinases, with applications in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.

Academic Background

Dr. Parker earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Glasgow. She began her academic career as an Assistant Professor at Purdue University in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology. In 2014, she joined the University of Minnesota, where she has taken on various leadership roles, including Director of Graduate Studies for the BMBB Graduate Program and Principal Investigator of the HHMI Pathways to Success Inclusive Excellence grant program.

Research Focus

Professor Parker's laboratory develops cell-permeable peptide biosensors to monitor kinase activity in living cells. By employing chemical biology and proteomics approaches, her team designs assays that can rapidly screen for effective kinase inhibitors and assess their efficacy in cancer treatment. This work aims to enhance personalized medicine strategies by providing real-time insights into cellular signaling pathways.

Notable Contributions

Dr. Parker has significantly advanced the field of chemical proteomics through the development of multiplex-compatible biosensors for various kinases. Her research has led to a better understanding of kinase signaling dynamics and has contributed to the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Additionally, she has been instrumental in promoting inclusive excellence in STEM education through mentorship and program development.

Professional Engagements

Beyond her research, Professor Parker is actively involved in educational leadership and curriculum development. As Associate Dean, she oversees undergraduate education initiatives and works to enhance student engagement and success. She is also committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the academic community, implementing programs that support underrepresented students in the sciences.

Through her innovative research and dedication to education, Professor Laurie L. Parker continues to make significant contributions to the fields of chemical biology and higher education.