Hui-Ting Lee, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Chemistry, has been awarded the Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) grant by the National Science Foundation. The CAREER award is designed to support early-career researchers and faculty members who have the potential to become academic role models in research and education, leading advancements within their fields.
Her project, titled “CAREER: 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 the interactions between DNA and RNA, with an educational component that highlights developments in RNA biology.
According to Lee, receiving this prestigious award is a reminder of the importance of continuing to elevate her research. She acknowledges the support of colleagues and friends across various departments at UAB, especially during the challenges 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 importance of science education in the chemistry department, with a focus on addressing the needs of students and society as a whole.
As an independent federal agency established by Congress in 1950, the National Science Foundation supports scientific research and engineering projects across all 50 states and territories. Lee’s recognition by the NSF reflects the ongoing efforts and advancements in science education within the chemistry department at UAB.