We develop algorithms to predict the structures and energetics of RNAs and RNA/protein interfaces with high accuracy. We test these ideas through community-wide blind trials; by enhancing NMR, crystallographic, and cryoelectron microscopy methods; and by designing new nanostructures.

Complementary to our computational research, we are developing information-rich biochemical methods to model the myriad structures of non-coding RNAs that remain unknown. Current efforts focus on probing the extent of RNA structure and conformational change inside cells and viruses, in close collaboration with expert biologists at Stanford.

We aim to design new RNA molecules for basic science, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Our videogame project EteRNA seeks missing rules and novel molecules for medicine by giving citizen scientists access to high-throughput wet-lab experiments.