We are a research group in biochemistry and biophysics at the University of New England. We explore the structure, function, and dynamics of engineered proteins for applications in biotechnology and biomaterials.
We are part of the School of Molecular and Physical Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences. We are also part of UNE’s Center for Cell Signaling Research and Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences. The lab is located within the Portland Laboratory for Biotechnology and Health Sciences in the Pharmacy Building on UNE’s Portland Campus for the Health Sciences.
Our Research Areas
Protein Phase Behavior
Studying how intrinsically disordered proteins form condensates and undergo phase transitions.
Novel Proteins for Biosensors
Designing protein polymers with custom analyte-binding and stimuli-responsive behavior.
Engineered Proteins for Modulating Cell Signaling
Using proteins to study and improve angiogenic and immune cell signaling.
Meet the Team
We are postdocs, grad students, undergrads, technicians, and collaborators passionate about proteins.
Recent Highlights
The Balog Lab was well represented at the Biophysical Society Annual Meeting in San Francisco, CA, with former BIO-SENS interns Banke Falebita and Eniola Soetan presenting their poster “Characterization of Engineered Protein Components for Use in a Novel Biosensing Platform” and research technician Sam Spiese presenting his poster “Investigation of Phase Separation Behavior of Elastin-Like Polymers Using High-Throughput Screening and Statistical Methods.” (March 2026)
New publication entitled “An elastin-like polymer targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 reduces survival in serum-starved endothelial cells,” has been published in Biochemical Engineering Journal. Read the paper here. (September 2025)
Dr. Balog presented at the Elastin, Elastic Fibers, and Microfibrils Gordon Research Conference in Manchester, NH. (July 2025)