Samantha Barrick, Ph.D.

Office location: Hitchner 286

Laboratory location: Hitchner 291

Mailing address: 5735 Hitchner Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5706

Lab website: http://umaine.edu/barricklab

Education:
Postdoctoral training: Washington University in St. Louis, Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
Ph.D. (2017) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Physical chemistry
B.S. (2011) University of Pittsburgh, Chemistry
B.A. (2011) University of Pittsburgh, Political science

Research interests: Force generation is a crucial function of the heart, and the proteins within the heart function in an environment of constantly fluctuating force. Research in the Barrick laboratory aims to uncover the molecular and cellular basis of cardiac mechanotransduction, the process by which cells within the heart sense and respond to mechanical force. We use a wide range of biochemical, biophysical, and cell biological techniques, including molecular dynamics simulations, single-molecule optical trapping, and traction force microscopy. Our multiscale, interdisciplinary approach allows us to gain unprecedented insight into how force-dependent changes in protein conformation mediate force transduction in human health and disease. and to use this information to gain a mechanistic understanding of disease pathogenesis and inform potential treatment options.

Courses taught: Biochemistry (BMB 322), Advanced Biochemistry (BMB 460)