In the world of academia, research is key. NIU is no exception.

NIU graduate student Robert Hoey won an award for outstanding research at the 2007 Current Trends in Microcalorimetry conference, held in Boston from July 18-21.

Microcalorimetry is a technique used to measure the heat of a chemical interaction.

“We measure heats of interactions of proteins, and measure them down to the millionths of a degree Celsius,” Hoey said.

In their research, Hoey and James Horn, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, examined VHH antibodies because their mechanism of antigen recognition provides an alternative to conventional antibodies.

When an unknown substance enters the body, antibodies become the first line of defense against an infection, Horn said.

“Not too many people look at VHH,” Hoey said. “It’s an emerging field.”

Two methods were used in Hoey’s research, in which data on heat in chemical interactions was collected. How much heat is released during the interaction is important, Hoey said. This information is the binding thermodynamics which reveals vital information on the mechanism of binding.

“When you develop any drug, you have to know its reaction patterns,” Hoey said.

Hoey and Horn concluded that the engineered VHH antibodies had stronger chemical interactions than their natural counterpart. However, Horn said, “A lot of the research and conclusions are preliminary.”

Hoey’s research was titled “Characterization of an in-vitro Matured Camelid (VHH) Antibody.” It was co-authored by Horn. Horn said his role in the project was advisory.

“I participated on the computations, but Hoey collected and analyzed the experimental data,” Horn said.

Hoey did most of his research as an undergraduate. He performed experiments on two types of VHH antibodies. One type was natural, but the other one was artificially matured through protein engineering.

Shannon Gates, coordinator for recruitment and public affairs for the department of biochemistry and chemistry, said Hoey’s award was representative of the department.

“Hoey’s award is a good representation of the quality of our program, our faculty, and our students,” Gates said. “Having this kind of research experience as an undergraduate and graduate student will give Hoey an advantage in his field.”

Hoey was awarded a trophy and a $1,000 prize. He said he has already spent a portion of the money to pay registration fees for another science conference occurring at the end of the month.