Sean Carney

Sean grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, where he studied biochemistry at Gwynedd Mercy University. During this time, he worked in a structural biology lab studying enzymes involved in DNA repair. To continue studying protein structures and mechanisms, he decided to move across the state to Pittsburgh. At the University of Pittsburgh, Sean studied under Dr. Michael Trakselis and Dr. Sanford Leuba investigating the interactions between replicative hexameric helicases and their DNA substrates and how these interactions govern helicase activity. During his studies in Pittsburgh, he was introduced to single-molecule methods, and decided to pursue a postdoc where he could continue to use these powerful tools to dissect molecular mechanisms. This led him to the Loparo Lab, where he now studies non-homologous end joining using single-molecule techniques. Outside of lab, Sean enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the city and its parks with his dog.