Chromosomes consist of long DNA strands that hold the information coding for life. Chromosomes are extensively wrapped into spool-like structures called nucleosomes in all plants and animals, including humans. Nucleosome packaging provides the sophisticated levels of control needed for turning genes on and off and regulating cellular functions. This project is focused on understanding how nucleosomes slide along DNA and enable dynamic changes in its packaging. Nucleosomes can be actively moved by special enzymes called chromatin remodelers, but nucleosomes can also spontaneously slide within chromosomes. It is currently unclear how easily nucleosomes slide on natural DNA sequences, and how their mobility may be affected by other cellular factors. Nucleosomes are displaced and chromatin remodelers are often disrupted in diseases such as cancer; therefore, new information on nucleosome sliding will advance understanding of fundamental cellular processes important for human health. A new technique has been developed for this research that allows sensing of the force required to mechanically shift nucleosomes along DNA. This technique should be broadly useful to the scientific community for studying how chromosome-interacting factors affect DNA packaging. This project will offer research training opportunities for students in biochemical and biophysical science and includes outreach activities centered on DNA to engage middle school students in STEM. This project is designed