A Modular Approach to the Characterization of Histone H2A-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides

i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This thesis would not be possible without the input, help, and unending support of a large number of people. Firstly, I owe many thanks to my thesis committee, Professors Webb, O'Donnell, and Darling, for their academic and scientific support over the past years. Thanks also to Professor Sharon Elkins for serving as the College's representative to my defense. To all the members of the Elmore lab past and present, especially Yoonie, Kathy, Liz, Amanda, Penny, and Julia. Thank you. Thank you for being my role models, teachers, sounding boards, and friends. Special thanks to Katie, without whom my distribution requirements and art projects would have been much less fun, and to Sara, who taught me everything I know and is the reason I decided to try research in the first place. Were it not for you, I would not be writing this page. Many thanks to Ali for sharing in this project with me, for being my thesis buddy, my music and bookstore buddy, and general lab partner-in-crime. Any sanity I have left is due in large part to Maria, who brought a steady stream of encouragement, laughter, and cupcakes into my life these past two semesters. I couldn't be happier to pass the project and the hoop down to you. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the people who made the physical writing of this thesis possible. Emily and Sara, the diaries of Sage Lounge will forever remain wonderful memories in an otherwise potentially very stressful project. And to my friends for daily doses of love and support via text, email, notes left on my door, and conversation. I laugh more at our lunch table than anywhere else on campus, and I don't know what I would do without you. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Don who never fails to be a calming presence in the lives of his often-panicked seniors. It goes without saying that none of this would have been possible without the amazing support and guidance I've received these past three years. Thanks also to Drew for stepping in to advise when my project became more biological in nature than expected, and for offering advice in all aspects of my time here at Wellesley. Finally, many thanks to my family for instilling in me the scientific curiosity that has led me here today. Being able to share the …