Personnel

Dr. Brett Phinney

Dr. Brett S. Phinney, Ph.D.

Core Director
Dr. Brett Phinney has served as the Director of the UC Davis Proteomics Core Facility since 2005. With over two decades of experience in mass spectrometry, he provides leadership to researchers across the UC Davis campus. Prior to joining UC Davis, Dr. Phinney held positions at Michigan State University, including Director of the MSU Proteomics Facility. He acts as an active member of the ABRF Executive Board and is dedicated to educational outreach via tutorial videos and podcasts.
Research Interests
  • Mass Spectrometry-based Proteomics: Quantitative analysis of proteome variations.
  • Deep Biofluid Profiling: Identifying low-abundance biomarkers in plasma/serum.
  • Targeted Proteomics: Precise protein quantification via LC-MS/MS.
Selected Recent Publications
  • ATG16L1 controls mammalian vacuolar proton ATPase. Journal of Cell Biology (2025).
  • Probe-dependent Proximity Profiling (ProPPr) Uncovers Similarities in Phospho-Tau-Associated Proteomes. Molecular Neurodegeneration (2025).

Gabriela Grigorean, Ph.D.

Project Scientist
Dr. Gabriela Grigorean brings extensive expertise in analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry instrumentation. Joining the core in 2019, she previously managed the Proteomics Facility at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan and served as an Applied Scientist at Thermo Fisher. Her background includes a Ph.D. from UC Davis focusing on FT-ICR mass spectrometry improvements.
Research Interests
  • Instrumental Analysis: Advanced knowledge of Orbitrap and Triple Quadrupole systems.
  • Sample Prep Optimization: Refining protocols (S-Trap, SP3) for high-throughput analysis.
  • Method Development: Creating ideal data acquisition methods for complex samples.
Recent Contributions
  • Genome-guided isolation of the hyperthermophilic aerobe Fervidibacter sacchari. Nature Communications (2025).
  • Testing popular Proteomics sample preparation techniques across a cohort of 36 new users. HUPO World Congress Poster (2024).

Michelle Salemi

Staff Researcher
Michelle Salemi is a "Lab Inciter" with over 20 years of experience in proteomics. With a background in Plant Physiology, she specializes in extracting proteins from difficult matrices like plant tissue and xylem sap. Michelle is also a dedicated educator, having taught the annual UC Davis Proteomics Course over 17 times and mentored countless students.
Research Interests
  • Deep Biofluid Profiling: Ceres Nanotrap® services for plasma and CSF.
  • Plant Proteomics: Extraction from recalcitrant tissues.
  • Education: Training users to perform their own sample preparation.
Recent Contributions
  • Noncanonical roles of ATG5 and membrane atg8ylation in retromer assembly. bioRxiv (2024).
  • The role of ATG5 beyond Atg8ylation and autophagy. Autophagy (2023).
John Schulze

John Schulze

Lab Manager (MSF) & Staff Researcher
John Schulze, the "Chromatography Connoisseur," serves as the Lab Manager for the Molecular Structure Facility. He possesses over a decade of specialized experience in Edman Sequencing and Amino Acid Analysis (AAA), providing critical data for the brewing, nutrition, and biochemistry sectors.
Research Interests
  • Amino Acid Analysis: Quantification for food science and biochemistry.
  • Edman Sequencing: N-terminal protein verification.
  • Brewing Science: Analysis of Free Amino Nitrogen (FAN) in grains and hops.
Selected Contributions
  • Changes in Diacetyl and Amino Acid Concentration during Fermentation. ASBC Journal (2022).
  • Evaluation of Malting and Brewing Potential of Kernza. (AAA Analysis).
Lauren Dixon

Lauren Dixon

Staff Researcher
Lauren Dixon is the "Actuator of Automation" at the Proteomics Core. She specializes in high-throughput sample preparation and the implementation of automated liquid handling systems (such as KingFisher) to increase the reproducibility and speed of proteomics workflows.
Research Interests
  • Automated Sample Prep: Robotics for high-throughput workflows.
  • Digestion Optimization: Comparative analysis of S-Trap, SP3, and in-solution methods.
  • Core Operations: Streamlining sample submission pipelines.
Recent Contributions
  • Testing popular Proteomics sample preparation techniques. HUPO World Congress Poster (2024).
  • Evaluating Sample Preparation methods in a Core facility environment. ASMS Poster (2024).