Jeff Martell

Jeff Martell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research merges synthetic and biological catalysis, focusing on enzyme-mimicking catalysts within evolvable three-dimensional scaffolds.

• Education:
• B.A., 2009, Northwestern University
• Ph.D., 2015, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Postdoctoral Researcher, 2015–2019, University of California, Berkeley

Research interests include developing synthetic catalysts that replicate enzyme efficiency and selectivity through cage-like architectures, combinatorial strategies, and high-throughput screening. Applications span synthetic methodology, energy, environmental remediation, diagnostics, targeted therapeutics, and chemical separations.

Recent publications highlight advancements in DNA-scaffolded catalysis, proximity labeling, and polymer-degrading enzyme engineering. Key grants include a three-year Army Research Office award for porous protein frameworks and Hartwell Foundation support for biomedical research.

• Scientific Awards:
• Hartwell Foundation Individual Biomedical Research Award
• Army Research Office Grant

Current and former students include Ashley Ogorek (ACS Young Investigator Award), Xu (Assistant Professor, Nanjing University), and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship recipients David Hardy and Max Unger. The Martell Group emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative catalytic mechanisms.