The Cavagnero group focuses on understanding the early stages of protein folding and aggregation in the cell, with emphasis on the role of the ribosome, molecular chaperones, and prions. Towards this end, the group develops optically enhanced multidimensional NMR spectroscopy and fluorescence-anisotropy-augmented single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. These powerful techniques enable in situ investigations in cell and cell-like environments to unveil biomolecular interactions and dynamics at atomic resolution. The lab is particularly interested in biomedical applications, including novel avenues to prevent bacterial infection and ALS, and the optimization of overexpression and shelf-life of protein-based pharmaceuticals.