John May

John May is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of Salmonella, structural biology, and antimicrobial resistance. He has advised multiple undergraduate students and collaborates on NIH-funded projects. Key contributions include studies on DcrB copper resistance proteins and novel inhibitors targeting bacterial virulence.

Education: Ph.D. Biochemistry (2009, University of Wisconsin-Madison); B.S. Chemistry (2003, Duke University). Postdoctoral training at Yale School of Medicine.

Research interests span Salmonella physiology, structural characterization of bacterial proteins, and development of antimicrobial agents. His work combines biochemical, genetic, and structural approaches to understand bacterial pathogenesis and adaptation mechanisms.

Recent work includes NIH-funded investigations into DcrB protein function (PI) and collaborative studies at Argonne National Laboratory. Publications emphasize structural insights into enzyme mechanisms and antimicrobial resistance pathways.

Notable awards include a 2024 NIH Academic Research Enhancement Award ($401,680) for structural studies of DcrB. Mentored 9+ students in lab research, with undergraduates contributing to published work.

Lab activities focus on bacterial copper homeostasis, fumarase enzymology, and antimicrobial drug discovery. Collaborations with structural biologists and medicinal chemists drive translational research initiatives.