User:JernejTurnsek

I am a PhD Candidate at Harvard University working in the laboratory of Pamela Silver. I am interested in [1] understanding the molecular mechanisms behind intricate nanoscale patterning of naturally occurring biomaterials and [2] polyamine metabolism and regulation across kingdoms. In my free time I train to become an Ironman.

Contact Info

Lab

Jernej Turnšek | Ph.D. Candidate

Harvard Medical School | Department of Systems Biology | 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115

Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University | Center for Life Science Boston Bldg., 5th Floor | 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115

Phone: 617-797-5386 | Fax: 617-432-5012 | Email: turnsek@fas.harvard.edu

Email me through OpenWetWare

Social Media

Visit my LinkedIn profile. Follow me on Twitter.

Interests

• Biomineralization | Biomaterials | Morphogenesis | Self-Assembly
• Marine Microbiome | Marine Natural Products
• Enzymology | Protein Engineering
• Phase Transitions in Cell Biology
• Astrobiology | Space Exploration | Origins of Life
• Exercise Physiology

Projects

• Spatial and whole cell biosilicification-specific proteomics in the model diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana.
• Size- and shape-constrained synthesis of metal oxides using protein scaffolds.

SEM image of Thalassiosira pseudonana

Publications

1. Conrado RJ, Wu GC, Boock JT, Xu H, Chen SY, Lebar T, Turnšek J, Tomšič N, Avbelj M, Gaber R, Koprivnjak T, Mori J, Glavnik V, Vovk I, Benčina M, Hodnik V, Anderluh G, Dueber JE, Jerala R, and DeLisa MP. DNA-guided assembly of biosynthetic pathways promotes improved catalytic efficiency. Nucleic Acids Res. 2012 Feb;40(4):1879-89. DOI:10.1093/nar/gkr888 |

Conferences

Wyss Institute 7th Annual Retreat, 19 November 2015, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, MA

This event brings together researchers and affiliates of the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering to discuss institute's most recent advances at the interface of science and technology. You can download the poster I presented at the retreat on this link.

Molecular Life of Diatoms 2015, 7-10 July 2015, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Molecular Life of Diatoms 2015 brought together an eclectic interdisciplinary mix of scientists to discuss recent advances in our understanding of diatoms and the way they shape our planet. You can download the poster I presented at the conference here.

SITN Waves Correspondent

• Going with the Flow: New Evidence for Liquid Water on Mars

SITN Waves Expert

• Friend or Foe? Getting the body to make peace with bioengineered drug delivery systems
• Algae: Applications in Removing Arsenic and Beyond
• Can we send a message to the future with DNA?
• Electric Bacteria – Groundbreaking Science or Old News?

Science Art

• Diatoms: Nature's Nanotechnologists
• DNA Scikus

Past Affiliations

• Ginkgo BioWorks, Inc., Boston, MA (10/2012 - 06/2013) | Ginkgo BioWorks
• Jerala Lab at the National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia (05/2010 - 07/2012) | Jerala Lab

Selected Awards & Accomplishments

• Kavčič Prize for young writers in natural sciences, 2013
• University of Ljubljana Prešeren Award for Diploma Thesis, 2012 (in Slovene)
• 42nd Krka Prizes - Krka Prize for Diploma Thesis, 2012 (in Slovene)
• Gold medal, BIOMOD 2011 | Learn more about BIOMOD Slovenia 2011
• Grand Prize, World Champion, iGEM 2010 | Learn more about iGEM Slovenia 2010

Education

• University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Diploma in Biotechnology, 06/2012
• Diploma thesis entitled: "Synthetic biology approach towards improvement of carotenoid biosynthetic pathway using zinc fingers"

Sports

• Harvard Triathlon
• Harvard Cycling
• November Project

• Olympic distance triathlon PR | Lobsterman Triathlon 09/2014: 2h 40' 32"
• 26.2 PR | Baystate Marathon 10/2013: 3h 30' 55"
• 13.1 PR | Boston's Run to Remember 05/2013: 1h 26' 30"
• 10K PR | B.A.A. 10K 06/2015: 40' 20"
• University of Ljubljana basketball champion in 2008 and 2009.

Podcasts

Science & tech

• Chemistry World
• Disruptive
• Discovery
• [Nature]
• [Nature Biotechnology]
• [NPR: Invisibilia]
• [NPR: Ted Radio Hour]
• [Science Magazine]
• [SIT'N Listen!]
• [StarTalk Radio]
• [Stuff You Should Now]
• [WNYC's Radiolab]

Sports

• 220 Triathlon Magazine

EDM

• []

Top Slovenian

• []
• []

• Other

Web

Science & tech []

Sports

EDM

• Kraftwerk and Electronic Revolution
• Sasha: Airdrawndagger (ADD)