Scott Becker

I originally came from the Chicago area, but I attended Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois where I received my bachelor's degree in biochemistry. Afterward, I came to Iowa State University, where I completed my PhD in biochemistry in Dr. Yang Yang's lab. My work primarily focused on solving the structures of various coronavirus protein complexes, with particular interest in the proofreading exonuclease complex. Using single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), we endeavored to determine the efficacy and mechanism of various potential drug targets with the goal of informing future drug development. Following my PhD studies, I entered the lab of Dr. Fengrong Wang to both further develop my skills with cryo-EM and to gain new skills in working with eukaryotic systems.