Eric Becker

Areas Eric Becker is Knowledgeable in:

Techniques Eric Becker Uses:

Eric Becker's Problem Solving Skills:

1. Bioreactor automation
2. PLC programing
3. Directed evolution
4. Algal transformation
5. Algal genetics
6. Mutagenesis
7. Timelapse microscopy
8. Micro-biochamber design
9. Protoplast fusion
10. TIRF microscopy
11. Bacterial conjugation
12. Plasmid biology
13. Fluorescent microscopy
14. Microbial genetics
15. Turbidostat/chemostat design
16. Algal bioreactor design
17. Environmental simulation (temperature, pH, light)
18. Bio-energy (algal strain optomization for bio-energy production)
19. GFP tagging
20. Phage display
21. Fluorescent labeling of membranes, proteins, and DNA

Eric Becker's Problem Solving Experience:

1. Molecular Memory: Constructed B. subtilis strains with "molecular memory" to determine if plasmids segregate to the forespore post-septation during sporulation. This system relied on cell-specific gene expression of DNA recombinases and gene activation by DNA recombination.
2. HTP 96w Growth Assay: Developed a HTP clone-screening platform that provides uniform light, temperature, culture mixing, CO2 and culture evaporation.
3. Cell-specific GFP Tagging: Developed in vivo GFP tagging methods to determine the asymmetric distribution of membrane proteins positioned between cells
4. Time-lapse Microscopy: Developed methods to enable efficient time-lapse analysis of membranes, DNA, and fluorescently labeled proteins during sporulation and growth in B. subtilis
5. Gene Fusion and Deletion: Formulated cloning vectors that utilize site specific recombination to create non-polar in-frame gene deletions.
6. Algal bio-reactors: Developed and constructed bio-reactors for evaluation of algal strains capable of maintaining constant pH, Optical Density, temperature, irradiance and turbulence for an algal bio-fuel company
7. Environmental simulator: Developed automated algal growth systems that simulate fluctuating environmental conditions of outdoor production ponds in the lab.
8. Phage Display: Constructed a series of phagemid vectors that allow efficient display of randomly fragmented gene sequences
9. UCSD Provisional Patent: Developed a transposon for random insertion of GFP into target proteins, while maintaining normal transcriptional and translational control