Cooper Poorman
Blacksburg,VA
Summary
Undergraduate biochemistry researcher with extensive hands-on experience studying methanogenic archaea through anaerobic culturing, heterologous protein expression, protein purification, enzyme assays, and LC-MS analysis. Experienced in designing and executing biochemical and molecular biology experiments to characterize enzymes involved in archaeal metabolism, cofactor biosynthesis, and membrane lipid formation. Strong background in experimental design, troubleshooting, and independent research, with additional experience working collaboratively in multidisciplinary research environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Undergraduate Research Associate
Virginia Tech Department of Biochemistry
05.2026 - Current
- Characterized enzyme homologs to advance understanding of methanogenesis, cofactor biosynthesis, and archaeal lipid formation.
- Designed and conducted in vitro biochemical assays to elucidate enzyme activity, substrate specificity, and catalytic function.
- Purifying recombinant proteins using cell lysis, filtration, affinity chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, and liquid chromatography while optimizing purity and yield.
- Purified recombinant proteins through cell lysis, filtration, affinity chromatography, and liquid chromatography, optimizing purity and yield.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Virginia Tech Department of Biochemistry
07.2025 - 05.2026
- Conducted biochemical and microbiological research on methanogenic archaea to investigate mechanisms underlying methane production.
- Applied gene knockout strategies, restriction digests, bacterial transformations, and plasmid purification to investigate methanogenic metabolic pathways.
- Investigated candidate enzymes and biomolecules associated with methane production and archaeal metabolism.
- Identified and evaluated potential biocatalysts for bioenergy and sustainability applications.
Education
Bachelor of Agriculture And Science - Biochemistry, Psychology Minor
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA05-2027
Skills
- Research Design
- Experimental Design
- Analytical Biochemistry
- Protein Purification
- Enzyme Characterization and Assays
- Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)
- Molecular Microbiology
- Anaerobic Culturing
Accomplishments
Purified novel Radical SAM enzymes to be used in in-vitro reaction assays.
Conducted reaction analysis via LC-MS and HPLC.
Presented research at the Spring 2026 Virginia Tech Dennis
Dean Undergraduate Conference, the Summer 2026 Virginia Tech Undergraduate Summer Symposium, and the Fall 2026 Virginia Tech Engelpalooza Research Symposium
Certification
American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Exam Proficiency Certification in core biochemistry and molecular biology topics.
EHS Laboratory Certified
Fall 2024 Virginia Tech Crew Club Men's Varsity Most Valuable Player
Spring 2026 Brandon Meerschedit Crew Club Scholarship For Dedication and Commitment of the Highest Caliber
Timeline
Undergraduate Research Associate
Virginia Tech Department of Biochemistry
05.2026 - Current
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Virginia Tech Department of Biochemistry
07.2025 - 05.2026
Bachelor of Agriculture And Science - Biochemistry, Psychology Minor
Virginia Tech