Research Statement

RNA is more than simple single-stranded sequence carrying genetic information as in the Central Dogma of Biology. It is found to be playing many important roles in cellular function. For example, it can form tertiary structures that, like proteins, can be catalytic. It is also widely known that mRNA can be targeted and inhibited by short complementary oligonucleotides such as siRNA. My thesis work concentrates on improving the prediction of RNA secondary structure from sequence and applying secondary structure prediction to important biological problems. I have completed two projects and I have three ongoing projects.