(2007-2012)
My research focuses on the molecular basis behind the biosynthesis of the C34 isoprenoid known as botryococcene from Botryococcus braunii. Exploring the structures of each protein in this unique pathway, I plan to elucidate the specific structural characteristics involved in product determination between botryococcene synthesis and other closely related isoprenoid compounds. I also plan to reconstruct the C15 to C34 synthesis both in vitro and in vivo for further mutational experiments.
These studies lay a foundation for exploring the production of biofuels in B. braunii and other algae while also establishing new tools for exploring the biology of these hydrocarbon rich algae.
Taylor was a Postdoctoral Researcher at Washington University, St. Louis in the lab of Ursula Goodenough from 09.01.2012 to 09.01.2015, a Postdoctoral Researcher in the lab of Danny Ducat at Michigan State University from 09.15.2015 to 08.01.2017, and is now (as of 08.18.2017) an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University in the Polytechnic School Environmental and Resource Management Program in the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering. He is also a member of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability.