Jenson, Justin
WEBSITE
EMAIL
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PHD PROGRAM
Biochemistry & Biophysics RESEARCH INTEREST
Biochemistry, Biophysics, Evolutionary Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, Virology
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Our lab studies molecular interactions between bacteria and the viruses that infect them, called phage. For billions of years, phage and bacteria have been locked in a ‘molecular arms race’. To survive, bacteria have evolved many immune systems to protect against infection and, in response, phage have counter-adapted to evade these defenses. Our lab is interested in 1) understanding how these systems work biochemically and structurally and 2) discovering new factors involved in this ‘molecular arms race’. We are particularly interested in systems that share homology with human immune factors.
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Taggart, Lizzy
EMAIL
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PHD PROGRAM
RESEARCH INTEREST
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology
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“I am most interested in studying molecular mechanisms through the lens of protein biochemistry. I find proteins particularly interesting because they are responsible for many biological processes and are the targets for many therapeutic drugs. I want to study proteins to better understand issues relating to human health and disease at the biochemical scale.”
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Pon, Ailing
EMAIL
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PHD PROGRAM
RESEARCH INTEREST
Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Chemical Biology
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“I have a keen interest in epigenetics, particularly its implications for cancer research. Additionally, I am passionate about developing chemical probes to explore the field of epigenetics.”
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Liebow, Elise
EMAIL
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PHD PROGRAM
RESEARCH INTEREST
Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology
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“I’m interested in protein structure and function, relating to protein-protein interactions. I’m also interested in unstructured regions and intrinsically disordered regions to understand their probable function and how it relates to other PPIs and possible condensate formation. I would love to word either in a purified protein setting or in a cellular setting experimentally.”
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Gomersall, Noah
EMAIL
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PHD PROGRAM
RESEARCH INTEREST
Biochemistry, Drug Discovery, Pharmacology
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“I am interested in the intersection of enzymology, drug discovery and RNA biology. I have developed significant experience with in vitro biochemical approaches and would like to build upon this foundation with the addition of more computational and AI/ML methods. I am deeply interested in designing novel methodologies, approaches and platforms to achieve these aims.”
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Faustino, Nikka
EMAIL
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PHD PROGRAM
RESEARCH INTEREST
Biochemistry, Biophysics, Computational Biology
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“My research interest focuses on exploring protein structures and their interactions to advance the development of innovative protein therapeutics. How can the integration of computational biology, including but not limited to AI-driven protein modeling software, enhance our understanding of protein interactions and aid in the development of novel therapeutics? By leveraging principles from thermodynamics and protein kinetics, along with cutting-edge technology, I am interested in utilizing such advancement to devise novel therapeutic strategies. I believe that integrating computational biology into our approach will significantly enhance our understanding of protein interactions and aid in the pursuit of groundbreaking therapeutics.”
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Coker, Katherine
EMAIL
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PHD PROGRAM
RESEARCH INTEREST
Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Translational Medicine
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“I am incredibly interested in unraveling the intricate molecular mechanisms and proteins that drive diseases, with a particular focus on neurodegenerative diseases, chronic stress, and intestinal disorders influenced by the gut microbiome. I am eager to contribute to collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments, fostering a comprehensive approach to address the complexities of these health challenges and translating our findings into impactful solutions for society.”
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Bhuiyan, Zubair
EMAIL
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PHD PROGRAM
RESEARCH INTEREST
Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cell Biology, Drug Delivery
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“I am interested in applying protein design and engineering principles to develop novel therapeutics that can either be delivered as recombinant molecules or via gene delivery. Current computational design tools and high-throughput screening methods are greatly enhancing our ability to identify advantageous molecular features in protein therapeutics. I’d like to apply these tools to identify specific molecular properties that lead to superior cell/tissue targeting specificity and increased therapeutic index.”
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Andersen, Sawyer
EMAIL
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PHD PROGRAM
RESEARCH INTEREST
Biochemistry, Drug Delivery, Translational Medicine
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“I am interested in translation research that can impact patient’s lives directly. I plan to work in the field of RNA biology to bring new genomic medicines to the clinic. I am interested in RNA structure, noncoding RNAs and how RNA can be used as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool.”
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Addish, Sumaya
EMAIL
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PHD PROGRAM
RESEARCH INTEREST
Biochemistry, Cell Signaling, Computational Biology, Developmental Biology
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“I am interested in how perturbations in cell signaling contribute to developmental and genetic disorders. In graduate school, I would like to explore this at the intersection of biochemistry, developmental biology, and regeneration while understanding the mechanisms of disease processes.”
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