Staff Directory

John Fonner

John Fonner

Research Associate
Computational Biology Group
(512) 232-5939
ROC 1.305
jfonner@tacc.utexas.edu

Before joining TACC, John conducted his Ph.D. Research at the University of Texas at Austin, using a blend of experimental and computational techniques to study binding interactions between peptides and conducting polymers for implant applications in the nervous system. John is keenly interested in using computational methods such as quantum mechanics and molecular dynamics simulations to address biological questions. As a Research Associate with TACC, his primary focus is helping the UT biomedical community leverage the advanced computing resources at TACC.

Areas of Research:

  • Molecular dynamics simulations of biomolecules and biomaterials
  • Binding free energy calculations
  • Molecular model development and parameterization

Selected Publications:

Fonner J. M., Schmidt C.E., Ren P. (2010). A Combined Molecular Dynamics and Experimental Study of Doped Polypyrrole. Polymer, 51: 4985-93.
Fonner J. M., Forciniti L., Nguyen H., Byrne J., Kou Y., Syeda-Nawaz J., and Schmidt C. E. (2008). Biocompatibility Implications of Polypyrrole Synthesis Techniques. Biomedical Materials, 3:034124.
Fonner, J. M. [speaker], Schmidt C.E., Ren P. "Development of a Molecular Mechanics Model for Chloride-Doped Polypyrrole." Society for Biomaterials Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX, April 22-25, 2009.
Fonner,J. M. [presenter], Schmidt C.E., Ren P. "Selective binding of peptides on conducting polymers." Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting, Austin, TX, October 6-8.
Fonner,J. M. [presenter], Schmidt C.E., Ren P. "Selective binding of peptides on conducting polymers." BioInterface Conference, Atlanta, GA, October 18-20.

Organization Membership/Professional Affiliations:

  • Biomedical Engineering Society
  • Society for Biomaterials

Education:

  • B.S., Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin