Dr. Galyna Kufryk was trained as a biologist and chemist and her first research project was focused on the development of biologically active complexes that act as modulators of immune response. For this research Dr. Kufryk was awarded M.S. degree in Microbiology from Taras Shevchenko Kyiv University. For her Ph.D. studies, Dr. Kufryk chose to explore biochemistry of photosynthetic processes and focus on regulation of photosystem II (PS II) activity by phosphorylation of its structural proteins. Subsequently Dr. Kufryk joined Arizona State University to work on identification and characterization of regulatory proteins in cyanobacteria, a group of photosynthetic prokaryotes. She pioneered the field of molecular regulation of assembly of membrane photosynthetic proteins by discovering first genes and chaperones that assist in folding of PS II proteins in cyanobacteria. Dr. Kufryk worked extensively on identification of genes and characterization of proteins that regulate assembly and function of photosynthetic and respiratory complexes. Prof. Kufryk is interested in its practical applications for the production of biofuels. Her research has been presented in published articles, book chapters and international scientific meetings. Prior to joining GCU as Associate Professor of Biology, Dr. Kufryk taught General Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Cell Biology and Chemistry courses. Her favorite pastimes are reading, traveling and gardening.