Amelia Fuller

Amelia Fuller is Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Santa Clara University, based at the Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation (Room 2117B). Her research bridges plant evolutionary biochemistry and synthetic polymer design.

Research focuses on two interconnected domains:

• Floral Biochemistry: Mechanisms of color polymorphisms in Lysimachia species, including anthocyanin pathway evolution and pollinator-driven selection
• Peptoid Engineering: Design of sequence-specific N-substituted glycine oligomers for molecular recognition in aqueous environments, with applications in drug delivery and environmental sensing

Recent publications (2019-2025) demonstrate dual expertise: biochemical studies of flower color transitions using multiscale approaches, and peptoid development for nanoparticle stabilization, membrane interactions, and contaminant detection through fluorescence and X-ray techniques.

Key awards:

• Ralph F. Hirschmann Award in Peptide Chemistry (2012)
• NSF CAREER Award (2011)

Secured multiple NSF grants including RUI awards (2019, 2023) supporting undergraduate research integration. Developed course-based research experiences (CUREs) that replace traditional organic chemistry labs with combinatorial synthesis modules. Mentors students in multidisciplinary projects spanning biochemistry, nanotechnology, and chemical ecology.

Leads a collaborative research group utilizing fluorescence spectroscopy, surface X-ray scattering, and computational modeling. Partners with institutions across the US and Cuba on antimicrobial discovery and chemistry education initiatives.