University of Wisconsin Madison

Rita Tamayo, Ph.D.

Before arriving at UNC I received my PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I did my thesis work in the laboratory of Dr. Tom Record, where I investigated the kinetics and mechanism of E. coli transcription initiation. My work focused primarily on using rapid-quench approaches to determine the step-by-step kinetics of initial transcription at a model promoter. The kinetic parameters derived from these experiments were used to identify new intermediates in initiation and promoter escape. In the Record Lab I gained a deep appreciation for biophysics and enzymatics, and aim to carry those interests forward to new systems in my research career. At UW I also had the opportunity to mentor multiple undergraduate students and participate in teaching undergraduate biochemistry and biophysical chemistry courses. My post-doctoral work is in the lab of Dr. Rita Tamayo in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. My work focuses on the unusual transcription termination profile of the bacterial termination factor Rho in the nosocomial pathogen C. difficile. As a SPIRE scholar I look forward to continuing to develop my teaching, mentoring, and research skills.