Dr Tara Pukala – Protein Chemistry
Lecturer, School of Chemistry and Physics, University of Adelaide
Tara’s work investigates the molecular machinery that keeps our bodys’ factories running. The proteins that make up this machinery are like any other piece of equipment made of multiple parts that need to work together smoothly. Tara’s work is generating a better understanding of the shapes of proteins and the way they fit together to help manage and repair this vital machinery. Her research is developing new methods to “see” the atomic detail of proteins and so unravel the processes which go astray and cause disease. Currently her focus is the protein linked to Parkinson’s Disease and how small changes in the machinery can cause or cure this illness.