Directory Entry For: Nichola Garbett
Biography
Dr. Garbett is an Associate Professor in the University of Louisville School of Medicine and Director of the Biophysical Core Facility. She has over 20 years of experience in the biophysical analysis of complex biomolecule solutions, biomolecule structure and stability, and biomarker interactions. Her research focus centers on developing new biophysical and biomedical technologies for disease proteomics research and medical diagnostics.
Research Interests
Research in the Garbett lab is focused on the application of biophysical approaches to the study of biomolecules and their interactions, with particular emphasis on the development of new technologies for applications in medical diagnostics and disease proteomics research. A major research focus has been the development of a novel, noninvasive diagnostic tool utilizing the biophysical technique differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for early detection, diagnosis and monitoring of patients. The motivation is to develop a non-invasive blood test that could complement current clinical diagnostic methods that may be limited in accuracy, specificity, cost and/or radiation burden. Our approach involving the direct analysis of small volumes of biofluids using DSC yields profiles which are sensitive to proteomic changes associated with disease pathology and therapeutic response. Development of the DSC technology has also opened up new areas of investigation in disease proteomics where we are using DSC in conjunction with mass spectrometry to interrogate novel biomarker populations, namely the high abundance plasma proteome and interactome, with a focus on identifying novel biomarkers of disease processes that can ultimately be utilized to develop more direct diagnostic testing. In addition, we are developing approaches for the multi-dimensional analysis of DSC data and the application of these methods for diagnostic classification using DSC. Lastly, we are working with collaborators in the Department of Bioengineering to develop a point-of-care DSC device for patient testing in the clinical environment. The long-term goals of our studies are to develop novel biomedical technologies for patient assessment and treatment that will directly impact the clinical care of patients.
Degrees and Certifications
University of Kent