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Brian Crane’s research focuses on the chemistry underlying the transmission of signals in biological systems. He is particularly interested in poorly understood sensing mechanisms, such as those involving light signaling, reactions of unstable intermediates, and conformational changes within large molecular assemblies. In order to prepare more underrepresented minorities to be well-trained, research-ready undergraduates with a passion for science, Crane developed a pre-freshman preparatory (PSP) program to provide disadvantaged students with supplemental training in quantitative thinking so that they can succeed in general chemistry courses. He also created a pre-sophomore organic/biochemistry preparatory course based on the PSP model with an introduction to laboratory work and an independent summer research component to encourage students into careers in science.