Biography
Dr. Raymond Esquerra’s research laboratory provides meritorious and meaningful interdisciplinary research opportunities to the diverse student population in the Departments of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Biology at San Francisco State University (SFSU). Dr. Esquerra’s current research in bioengineering and biophysics involves 1) applying a novel polarization method to interrogate the temporospatial distribution of microviscosity in whole cells as a function of protein size and shape; 2) exploring the role non-coordinated internal water molecules play in protein function and dynamics; 3) developing chemical sensors and biosensors to monitor compounds produced by living bioreactors as part of a larger team effort to engineer cells in order to optimize function, and; 4) designing digital holographic microscopy tools to enhance the understanding of cellular processes. Dr. Esquerra is committed to training the next generation of research scientists. He is currently the Program Director for the SFSU Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) and Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) programs. Dr. Esquerra is the co-Program Director for the UCSF/SFSU Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Awards (IRACDA) program. He served on the NIH TWD-C review panel that evaluates NIH training programs and on the Executive Committee of the Beckman’s Scholars Program. Dr. Esquerra is also co-educational coordinator of the NSF-funded Center of Cellular Construction program and works closely with SFSU’s Promoting Inclusivity in Science (PINC) program that is funded by the NSF and the Genentech Foundation. The shared goal of these programs is to develop inclusive courses and CUREs (Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences) that promote computation, artificial intelligence, and an engineering mindset for Chemistry and Biochemistry and Biology majors.