1. Bennett McIntosh Adademy of the sciences of the Czech Republic Department of structure and Function of Proteins Nové Hrady, South Bohemia, Czech Republic

2. Solving protein structures computationally
Most of EcoR124I structure known previously
New domain partially solved by intern last year
Used MD (Molecular Dynamics) engine gromacs and geometric tool concoord to narrow possibilities

3. concoord & gromacs GROMACS CONCOORD Simulates protein in water
Numerical technique: each frame represents 2 quadrillionths of a second, and is derived from the position, speed and force in the previous frame.
Shows how
stable candi-
date structure
is.
Finds possible protein shapes
Used to find structures which can arrange themselves as seen in previous crystal structures
Right de Groot BL, et al (1997); Left

4. Results & Impact
Scientific Results: One structure found which was stable for the first 90 links of the 120-link chain we were looking at (green box) but unstable in the last 30 (red box)

5. Results & Impact
CONCOORD protocol Developed protocol for using the CONCOORD tool to verify possible structures found using GROMACS tool.

6. Regional and global connections
I was able to meet and interact with scientists in the field from all of these cities, learning their approach to research and science.
Meeting scientists from all over Europe, some of whom may advise my spring independent work

7. Regional and global connections
Celebrating the 4th of July with scientists from 5 continents

8. Conferences & classes in Nové Hrady
In addition to the conferences, I was able to learn experimental techniques for studying proteins, giving me skill beyond the immediate project.
Learning scientific methods from experts in the field

9. Travelling about Central Europe during the peak of World Cup season
Travel and awareness
Travelling about Central Europe during the peak of World Cup season
Experiencing history in the castles, towns and churches where it happened