I'm Calvin Klein, an aspiring biochemist currently living in Bern, Switzerland. Recently, I started my PhD work in the group of in the wonderful groups of Wanda Kukulski and Thomas Lemmin at the Univeristy of Bern.
I have always been intrigued by the relationship between the form and function of proteins. Consequently, during all my studies and positions, I wanted to understand further the details that make proteins work the way they do by analyzing how their physical properties lead to specific activities and what influences physical changes have on their reactivity.
I offer a variety of skills from in-silico analysis to wet-lab techniques:
Programming:Below you can find an interactable chart with my works per year and a table listing all my publications. Some of these publications are viewable and each BibTex entry can be copied.
Not convinced yet? Here you can find all my previous employers and my educational background
February 2023 - Now
Analyzing and describing the dynamic process of APAF1 regulated cell apoptosis using Electron Tomographie and Computational Modelling Techniques.
September 2019 - September 2021
Specialization in: Chemical Biology and Biochemistry
Master's Thesis: Characterization of a Thymidine Phosphorylase for Syntheses of Orphan Nucleoside Analogs
Final Grade: Summa cum Laude
December 2016 - August 2019
Specialization in: Protein Biochemistry, Microbiology
Bachelor's Thesis: Electrostatic Interactions between Trx and TrxR
Final Grade: cum laude
April 2022 - January 2023
Exploration in Carboxylic Acid Reductase immobilization and reuseable cofactor recycling systems for improved applicability of Carboxylic Acid Reductases in biocatalytic processes.
Supervised by: Prof. Dr. Francesca Paradisi
February 2021 - July 2021
Established a new in-house screening panel of approxiamtely 40 Carboxylic Acid Reductases. Tasks included: Developing and implementing a Carboxylic Acid Reductase screening assay. Performing protein expression and purification. Optimising biocatalytic reactions, including biphasic systems. Operating pH-Stat reactors. Developing analytical methods, and product isolation.
Supervised by: Dr. Steven Hanlon
November 2019 – August 2020
Assissted in a project focussing on the covalent attachment of PLP to an w-Transaminase. Also, responsible for the digitalization of the lab and implementing Data Management Plans.
Supervised by: Prof. Dr. Francesca Paradisi
April 2019 - September 2019
Worked in a project analyzing the electrostatical interactions between Thioredoxins and their Reductases. Performed protein expressions and purifications, activity assays, and helped in generating new mutants of target enzymes.
Supervised by: PD. Dr. Christopher Lillig
February 2019 - April 2019
Assisted in a project focussed on the creation of (R)-Amine Transaminase Activity within an a-Amino Acid Transaminase Scaffold
Supervised by: Prof. Dr. Uwe Bornscheuer
November 2018 - March 2019
Built up a new Linux PC-Pool used for Teaching.
Supervised by: Prof. Dr. Lars Kaderali
October 2017 - November 2018
Worked in a project analyzing the electrostatical interactions between Thioredoxins and their Reductases. Performed protein expressions and purifications, activity assays, and helped in generating new mutants of target enzymes.
Supervised by: PD. Dr. Christopher Lillig
July 2018
Course for carrying out animal experiments (FELASA category B). Accredited by the German Society of Laboratory Animal Science (GV-SOLAS)
November 2022
The learner understands the core principles of data analysis and has worked hands-on with a variety of data sources, project scenarios, and data analysis tools, including Excel, SQL, Relational Databases, Python, Jupyter Notebooks, and Cognos Analytics, gaining practical experience with data manipulation, data analysis, and data visualization. The earner of this Certificate has demonstrated proficiency in applying different analytical techniques by analyzing real-world datasets, creating visualizations & interactive dashboards, and presenting reports to share findings of data analysis, and is now equipped with skills for an entry-level role in data analytics.
January 2023
Course for improving verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as, presentation skills.
When I am not focussing on my work you can find me...
From road over gravel to downhill mountainbiking, cycling is my favorite part-time activity to clear my mind.
I love being in the mountains. Be it in winter while snowshoeing or in summer while hiking in the swiss mountains.
Fantasy and non-fiction books are the best! Joe Abercrombie is one of my favorite authors.
I have travelled to 26 countries all over the world so far.
I've been playing MtG for a few years and I really enjoyed the social gatherings!
I often sit down to create new things with an arduino and my 3D printer. For example I recreated the Peristaltic Pump from the 2017 iGEM Winners.
Feel free to contact me about any topic you like!
calvin@ck-biochem.com