Dr. Hui-Ting Lee, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s College of Arts and Sciences, has received a Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The CAREER award is designed to support early-career researchers and faculty members who demonstrate potential to become academic role models in research and education, driving advancements within their fields.
Lee’s project, titled “Single-Molecule Study of Nucleic Acid Conformational Dynamics in Telomere,” aims to investigate how the slow folding process of non-canonical secondary structures affects telomere maintenance. By focusing on the biological function of telomeres, the study will explore interactions between DNA and RNA, with an educational component highlighting developments in RNA biology.
According to Lee, receiving this prestigious award underscores the importance of continuing to elevate her research. She acknowledges the support of colleagues and friends across various departments at UAB, especially during challenging times such as those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NSF grant will sustain Lee’s research efforts through 2029, allowing her to advance her work in single molecule biophysics. Lee emphasizes the significance of science education in chemistry department at UAB, with a focus on addressing students’ needs as well as those of society as a whole.
