Hello, I'm

Calvin Klein

Biochemist and PhD student at the University of Bern in the groups of Wanda Kukulski and Thomas Lemmin. I use cryo-electron tomography and computational modelling to study how Apaf1 assembles the apoptosome in cells.

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More about me

01 About

Let me introduce myself.

Portrait of Calvin Klein, smiling, in a hiking jacket in front of old stone terraces

I'm Calvin Klein, an aspiring biochemist currently living in Bern, Switzerland. At the moment, I am a PhD student in the wonderful groups of Wanda Kukulski and Thomas Lemmin at the University of Bern.

Profile

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.

Full name
Calvin Klein
Specialization
Protein Biochemistry, Biocatalysis, Cryo-Electron Microscopy
Email
calvin@ck-biochem.com
Languages
German Native English Fluent (C1)

Skills

I offer a variety of skills from in-silico analysis to wet-lab techniques:

Programming

  • Intermediate Knowledge in HTML, CSS and Python Programming
  • Intermediate Knowledge in using LATEX, R and Linux operating systems

In-Silico Techniques

  • Intermediate Knowledge in in-silico analysis and design of proteins

Wet-Lab Techniques

  • Advanced Knowledge in Molecular Biology
  • Expert Knowledge in Cryo-CLEM, Cryo-ET, Cryo-EM, FIB-Milling
  • Expert Knowledge in protein expression and purification
  • Expert Knowledge in wet-lab protein characterizations
  • Expert Knowledge in Biochemistry techniques, e.g. Enzyme Activity Assays
  • Animal Laboratory Science (FELASA category B)
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02 Research

How cells build the apoptosome.

My PhD project analyses and describes the dynamic process of Apaf1-regulated cell death (apoptosis), using electron tomography and computational modelling techniques.

When a cell receives a signal to die, the protein Apaf1 teams up with cytochrome c to form the apoptosome. This complex is crucial for apoptosis that starts at the mitochondria, because it activates caspases, the enzymes that take the cell apart.

Purified apoptosomes form a neat seven-armed wheel, but how the complex assembles inside living cells, and what it looks like there, was unclear. To find out, I combine cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy, focused ion beam milling and cryo-electron tomography with computational modelling to look at Apaf1 where it acts: in the cell.

In our recent paper, we show that as apoptosis begins, Apaf1 gathers into several foci per cell: large, cloud-like assemblies about the size of an organelle. They form through specific interactions with cytochrome c, contain caspase-9 and need procaspase-9 to form, and their disassembly correlates with cell survival. We propose that these transient foci are the apoptosome in cells.

Methods

  • Cryo-CLEM
  • FIB milling
  • Cryo-ET
  • Subtomogram averaging
  • Computational modelling

03 Publications

My scientific career in numbers.

My work per year and a list of all my publications, posters and theses. Journal articles are synced automatically from my ORCID record.

    04 By the numbers

    Projects Completed
    6
    Happy Supervisors
    5
    Awards Received
    2
    Conferences
    7
    Papers
    4
    Hours in the lab
    18,612

    05 Resume

    My Qualifications

    Not convinced yet? Here you can find all my previous employers and my educational background. Click an entry for details.

    Education

    1. – now

      PhD in Structural and Computational Biology

      University of Bern, CH       Cryo-ETModellingApaf1

      Analyzing and describing the dynamic process of APAF1 regulated cell apoptosis using Electron Tomography and Computational Modelling Techniques.

    2. –

      M.Sc. in Molecular Life Science

      University of Bern, CH       Chemical biologyBiochemistrySumma cum laude
      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

    3. –

      B.Sc. in Human Biology

      University of Greifswald, DE       Protein biochemistryMicrobiologycum laude
      Specialization in
      Protein Biochemistry, Microbiology
      Bachelor's Thesis
      Electrostatic Interactions between Trx and TrxR
      Final Grade
      cum laude

    Work Experience

    1. –

      Graduate Work in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences

      University of Bern, CH       BiocatalysisImmobilizationCofactor recycling

      Exploration in Carboxylic Acid Reductase immobilization and reusable cofactor recycling systems for improved applicability of Carboxylic Acid Reductases in biocatalytic processes.

      Supervised by Prof. Dr. Francesca Paradisi

    2. –

      Scientific Intern

      Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, CH       Assay developmentProtein purificationpH-stat

      Department of Process Chemistry and Catalysis – Hoffmann-La Roche – Basel, CH

      Established a new in-house screening panel of 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

    3. –

      Student Assistant

      University of Bern, CH       TransaminasesData management

      Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry – University of Bern, CH

      Assisted in a project focussing on the covalent attachment of PLP to an ω-transaminase. Also, responsible for the digitalization of the lab and implementing Data Management Plans.

      Supervised by Prof. Dr. Francesca Paradisi

    4. –

      Student Assistant

      University of Greifswald, DE       TransaminasesEnzyme engineering

      Chair of Biotechnology and Enzyme Catalysis – Institute of Biochemistry – University Greifswald

      Assisted in a project focussed on the creation of (R)-amine transaminase activity within an α-amino acid transaminase scaffold.

      Supervised by Prof. Dr. Uwe Bornscheuer

    5. –

      Student Assistant

      University of Greifswald, DE       LinuxIT infrastructure

      Institute of Bioinformatics – University Greifswald

      Built up a new Linux PC-Pool used for Teaching.

      Supervised by Prof. Dr. Lars Kaderali

    6. –

      Student Assistant

      University Hospital Greifswald, DE       Protein purificationActivity assaysMutagenesis

      Institute of Medicinal Biochemistry and Molecular Biology – University Hospital Greifswald

      Worked in a project analyzing the electrostatic 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

    Continuing Education

    1. Communication Skills for Leaders Course

      University of Bern, CH       PresentingCommunication

      Course for improving verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as, presentation skills.

    2. IBM Data Analyst Certificate

      Coursera       PythonSQLData visualization

      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.

    3. Course on Animal Laboratory Science

      University of Greifswald, DE       FELASA BGV-SOLAS

      Course for carrying out animal experiments (FELASA category B). Accredited by the German Society of Laboratory Animal Science (GV-SOLAS)

    06 Hobbies

    What I'm doing outside of work.

    When I am not focussing on my work you can find me…

    • A blue gravel bike leaning against a fence post on an alpine meadow, with mountains behind

      Cycling

      From road over gravel to downhill mountainbiking, cycling is my favorite part-time activity to clear my mind.

    • Calvin on snowshoes with hiking poles on a snowy slope below rocky peaks

      Hiking

      I love being in the mountains. Be it in winter while snowshoeing or in summer while hiking in the swiss mountains.

    • Reading an e-reader in a colourful striped hammock in a sunny courtyard

      Reading

      Fantasy and non-fiction books are the best! Joe Abercrombie is one of my favorite authors.

    • Summit sign of Montaña Vinicunka at 5,036 metres above sea level, surrounded by fog

      Travelling

      I have travelled to 26 countries all over the world so far.

    • A hand holding a fan of Magic: The Gathering cards over a playmat

      Playing Games

      I've been playing MtG for a few years and I really enjoyed the social gatherings!

    • An Arduino board wired to a breadboard with an LCD display and a rotary knob

      Tinkering

      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.

    07 Contact

    I'd love to hear from you.

    Feel free to contact me about any topic you like!