As a PhD candidate at the Biodesign Institute in the School of Molecular Sciences, I study how to interface electricity with the photosynthetic electron transport chain. We are studying how energy flows to learn how to make it more efficient. Currently, photo biomass renewables are not attractive renewables because the production rates cannot keep up with consumption rates at an affordable price point. Our goal is to use our innovation and data to learn how to change this. The largest challenge in this work is that when you are studying energy flow, you are studying subatomic particles--and, they are so, so tiny! The most meaningful part of my work is knowing that I am working on solutions for a real world challenge. If we can make photosynthesis more efficient, we could produce in line with energy consumption then the impact to society will be huge. Photo biomass renewables are versatile for both electricity and for fuel. Not only is this project innovative but it is also contributing to our fundamental understanding of photosynthesis.
Ph.D. candidate in chemistry with over fifteen years of interdisciplinary experience. Student government representative and acting GPSA chair of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. GPSA member of External Affairs, Professional Development, COVID19, and Innovation committees. Science policy advocacy. Innovation in green energy research. Research in small molecule delivery of electrons and photobioreactor design and efficiency. Academic curriculum development, mentorship, and leadership. Practiced in analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, flow cytometry, spectroscopy, biochemistry, engineering, and microbiology. Proven ability to work with interdisciplinary teams, public speaking and diplomacy.
Fromme lab at the ASU Biodesign Institute Center for Applied Structural Discovery
Rittmann lab at the ASU Biodesign Institure Swette Center for Enviromental Biotechnology
Torres lab at the ASU Biodesign Institure Swette Center for Enviromental Biotechnology
*Lewis, C. M.; Flory, J. D.; Moore, T. A.; Moore, A. L.; Rittmann, B. E.; Vermaas, W. F. J.; Torres, C. I.; Petra Fromme, Electrochemically driven photosynthetic electron transport in cyanobacteria lacking photosystem II.
Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2022,1-9. DOI: 10.1021/jacs1c09291
Organic Chemistry: synthesis, rational design Microbiology: culturing pure-cell culture, assays, Western blot, Biochemistry: flow cytometry, Joliot-type spectroscopy, microscopy, Electrochemistry: cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, photochemistry, electron-transport studies, Engineering: anaerobic bio-electro reactor design, light delivery applications, constructing electrochemical wired system, reactor lamp construction Communication Teaching: Proficient in blackboard/Canvas or Web design for online teaching/communication, word, excel and one-note, data Analysis with Origin Pro, can do some simplistic coding Working skills: organized, speak moderate Spanish (not a native speaker), skilled at public speaking and science teaching outreach, and policy
Teaching Chemistry/Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
Presentations on Research
Mentees
Outreach to the community