MEMBERS

Andrew Murkin

BSc, Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of British Columbia, 1998
PhD, Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2004

Bioorganic chemistry: Determination of enzyme mechanisms and transition states; synthesis of inhibitors, alternative substrates, and isotopically labeled compounds; enzyme kinetics

Rachel Molino

B.S. Chemistry, SUNY Geneseo, 2019
Joined 2019

My research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a transition-state analog inhibitor for an enzyme implicated in tuberculosis.

Oluwatosin Adewale

BS, Biochemistry Osun State University, 2015
MS, Biochemistry, Osun State University, 2021
Joined 2023

My research focuses on understanding the mechanism of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR), which catalyzes the first committed step in the non-mevalonate (MEP) pathway responsible for isoprenoid biosynthesis. Through kinetic isotope effect (KIE) studies, we aim to establish the transition state model of DXR computationally, which can serve as a blueprint for the future design of tight-binding inhibitors of this drug target.

Justin Gabriel

BS, Biochemistry, St. John Fisher University, 2023
Joined 2023

My research focuses on better understanding the mechanism of the ketol-acid reductoisomerase (KARI) enzyme through techniques such as isotope labeling. As the enzyme is found in the branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) pathway of plants, this understanding would allow for the creation of a more effective inhibitor and, therefore, herbicide.

Elaina Stafford

BS, Biochemistry, Rochester Institute of Technology, 2023
Joined 2023

My research primarily utilizes organic synthesis for the optimization and design of covalent inhibitors for MtnA, an isomerase involved in the methionine salvage pathway. I’m also studying the mechanism of aldose–ketose isomerization, relevant for enzymes studied in our group, by determining and analyzing kinetic isotope effects.

Ezzat Kandil

BSc, Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, 2018
Joined 2024