My research focus lies at the interface of biochemistry and inorganic chemistry. A primary goal is to design and investigate small, synthetic metallo-complexes as catalytic mimics of specific biological processes of natural enzymes, specifically hydrolases. Metal ions and complexes have been used in many synthetic approaches to assist in the cleavage and transformation of biomolecules. However, the physical and chemical properties of enzymes, such as catalytic rate enhancement and substrate specificity, are difficult to mimic in synthetic, non-enzymatic catalytic systems My lab approach to overcome this limitation is to use metal ions that are capable of forming catalytically active mononuclear and/or polynuclear hydroxo species in aqueous solution. Further, complex formation between the metal ion and a ligand can eliminate certain confinements of the metal ion in aqueous solution, enhance and tune the reaction kinetics, and provide selectivity for the catalytic process.

The overall goal of my current projects is to design phosphate ester-specific hydrolytic catalysts for the degradation of pesticides, nucleic acids, and bacterial specific nucleotides. The findings of these studies could lead to novel strategies to prevent or alleviate harmful bacterial biofilms, aid in the detoxification of dangerous pesticides, and provide invaluable insight into metal-assisted phosphate ester bond hydrolysis. In addition, the nucleic acid project could lead to a greater understanding of targeted DNA therapy and possible applications in cancer diagnosis. The interdisciplinary nature of these projects enables students to develop skills and knowledge in bioinorganic, analytical, and biochemistry, and the findings of these studies will contribute valuable knowledge to the scientific field.

*Laboratory should be set up Spring 2019, so please contact me after Fall 2018 if you’re interested in research opportunities in my lab.