email: Jennifer.L.Morgan@asu.edu

homepage: http://ical.mac.com/jen_in_ak/Jen's%20Work-School

phone: 480-965-7570

office: PSB-131

I am a third year graduate student in Chemistry & Biochemistry. I am interested in the relationship between metals and biology. My current project investigates Fe isotopes in biological samples including, mice, chicken and monkeys. I am also performing experiments where I observe the equilibrium fractionation when Fe is bound by different organic ligands. Abstract for In Vivo Iron Isotope Fractionation (Poster 2008) The stable isotopic fractionation of iron (Fe) was investigated for the first time in a whole organism. Individual mouse organs and a whole mouse were digested, and the iron isotope abundances were measured. The results show that distinct isotope pools exist in the small intestines, the red blood cells (hemoglobin, an Fe protein), the serum (transferrin, an Fe transport protein) and the liver (ferritin, an Fe storage protein). The entire organism was isotopically light compared with the food source, as light Fe is absorbed preferentially in the small intestines. Fe isotopes can be used in the medical community to better understand Fe diseases like anemia and hemochromatosis. Abstract for Deciphering Iron Isotope Signatures (Poster 2007) The stable isotopic fractionation of iron (Fe) can address broad topics ranging from a tracer for microbial activity in the rock record, a marker for the redox state of ancient Earth, or a key to understanding the mechanism of iron metabolism in the human body. Unique interpretation of these processes require understanding of the chemistry of Fe isotopic fractionation. This research investigates how ligand chelation of iron affects the isotopic fractionation. The experiments discussed in this report are consistent with theoretical calculations. To view my schedule this semester got to: http://ical.mac.com/jen_in_ak/Jen's%20Work-School