Two SLAC Scientists Awarded DOE Grants for AI-Driven Biomolecular Research
Derek Mendez and Xueli Zheng from SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory receive $550,000 grants from the DOE for five years. Their research aims to leverage AI techniques to enhance drug discovery and energy storage systems, addressing critical challenges in biomolecular structure and electrochemical interfaces.

Derek Mendez and Xueli Zheng have been awarded Early Career Research Program grants totaling $1.1 million from the DOE Office of Science. Mendez's project will apply AI to optimize X-ray experiments to elucidate protein dynamics, focusing initially on antibiotic resistance proteins.
Zheng will investigate the cathode-electrolyte interface in sodium-ion batteries using advanced X-ray methods and machine learning. Both projects aim to enhance understanding of complex biological and chemical systems, with potential applications in drug development and energy storage solutions. These advancements may significantly impact the efficiency of therapeutic interventions and the design of high-performance batteries.



Comments