1. Intellectual Merit Minority Research Opportunities in Science and Engineering at the Naval Research LaboratoryPaul Charles, Department of Naval Research Laboratory, DMR 1004926 • Specific Project Example : • “Development of LC-MS/MS Methods for the Quantification of Bacterial Membrane Histidine Kinases” • Mentors: Drs. Dasha Leary and Gary J. Vora • Develop a unique analytical method consisting of efficient protein extraction and separation followed by targeted mass spectrometry for each of four membrane proteins • Quantify membrane histidine kinases (LuxN, LuxPQ, CqsS) in Vibrio campbellii • Impact: Quantification of low abundance membrane proteins will enhance fundamental knowledge for pharmaceutical and synthetic biological applications • Three out of four low abundance membrane proteins were quantified in V. campbellii in-solution digests using targeted proteomics

2. Broader Impact Minority Research Opportunities in Science and Engineering at the Naval Research LaboratoryPaul Charles, Department of Naval Research Laboratory, DMR 1004926 • Overall Program - Broad Impact: • Primary Goal: To encourage and motivate promising minority students to pursue advanced degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related disciplines with an emphasis on careers in science and/or teaching. • Conduct research and acquire experience through “hands-on” training and the use of state-of-the-art instrumentation. Interns increase confidence level resulting in a much higher level of independence. • Benefit: Exposure to STEM related careers, potential co-authorship in refereed journals, and enhanced teambuilding and networking. • Organized activities • Scientific and skill set seminars (resume writing) • Oral presentation and final technical report • Graduate school site visits (admissions, financial aid) • Brown bag lunch (open forum for discussions; science and ethics)