This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
Every year I ask some of the attendees of the ScienceOnline conferences to tell me (and my readers) more about themselves, their careers, current projects and their views on the use of the Web in science, science education or science communication. So now we continue with the participants of ScienceOnline2012. See all the interviews in this series here.
Today my guest is Anthony Salvagno.
Welcome to A Blog Around The Clock. Would you, please, tell my readers a little bit more about yourself? Where are you coming from (both geographically and philosophically)? What is your background? Any scientific education?
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My name is Anthony Salvagno (@thescienceofant) and I am a biophysics PhD student at the University of New Mexico. I was born and raised in New York and attended SUNY Albany for my undergrad where I received a BS in mathematics and a BS in physics. Originally I intended to do astronomy research, but after an internship at the Arecibo Obsedrvatory, I changed my career path and became deeply interested in biology.
Now I am an open notebook scientist, which means that I publish and share all of my research openly in real-time. I've been pursuing open notebook science for the past 4 years and have a wealth of knowledge to share. I'm always looking for others who share their science, and am always willing to talk to peers who want to share but aren't sure how. If you fall into either category or just want to have a conversation feel free to contact me!
Tell us a little more about your career trajectory so far: interesting projects past and present?
My research is comprised of two completely different topics that are enveloped by my open notebook. The first project is called Shotgun DNA Mapping. Essentially, I can unzip DNA using a microscope objective and a high-powered laser (optical tweezers). Our lab has an algorithm that allows us to simulate this mechanism, and we can then compare our actual results to a library of simulated results. We are testing this with the yeast genome, but hope to one day expand it to the human genome.
I also study how heavy water affects living organisms. Back in the early 1930's Dr. Gilbert Lewis first purified heavy water (D2O) from naturally occurring water. He then tested how tobacco seeds would grow in 99% D2O. This launched a series of experiments by a lot of scientists studying how heavy water affects various organisms. The research trail ends around 1969, with a lot of questions left unanswered. My research picks up where these studies left off and I extend them by using deuterium depleted water. I'm asking if life evolved a use for D2O since it occurs naturally in drinking water at very low concentrations.
What is taking up the most of your time and passion these days? What are your goals?
I have too many passions to deal with! It's almost spring time so that means it's time to start my vegetable garden real soon. Food is a passion of mine and my brother and I are hoping to open a food truck in Albuquerque in Fall 2013. There is a lot to learn about the food industry, food trucks, and business management and I'm learning all I can.
I also enjoy graphic design and do random odd jobs every now and then. I specialize in designing creative business cards and invitations. I also have dabbled in logo design and like to think I'm proficient in brand management. I'm working on a couple of graphic novels when I have time (still in the writing phase), and I'm also working on a story-time style book for adults.
As an extension of graphic design, I love photography<%2