Postdoc Fellow/Post-Bac Associate Award 2022: Christopher Lennon

Institution: Murray State University
Department: Biological Sciences
Rank: Assistant Professor, Microbiology
Project Title: Inteins: Expanding Biological Roles and Biotechnological Applications
About the project: Phylogenetically widespread in the microbial world, inteins (intervening proteins) have garnered interest as agents of autocatalysis, genome evolution, antimicrobial targets, and biotechnological application. Recently, compelling evidence has demonstrated that inteins can act as environmental sensors that regulate protein function. Thus, significant interest to both basic and applied communities necessitate the investigation of inteins.
Intended outcomes: Through this award, we are investigating the emerging regulatory role of inteins, as well as exploiting these elements in novel ways to develop useful applications in protein engineering.

Follow-on awards and recognitions: October 2022, Christopher was named a member of the Fall 2022 Kentucky Commercialization Ventures Innovation Fellowship Cohort. Lennon, along with the other seven KCV Innovation Fellows selected from “an incredibly competitive pool of applicants,” will participate in a rigorous program designed to equip the next generation of ecosystem builders with the practical skills necessary to lead the translation of Kentucky’s most innovative solutions to the real-world market.