About
Jun Ohata is an Assistant Professor and Goodnight Early Career Innovator in the Department of Chemistry at NC State University, affiliated with the College of Sciences. His research focuses on developing chemical tools for protein modification and creating functional protein conjugates with applications in medicine and materials science. He holds a Ph.D. from Rice University, a postdoc from UC Berkeley, and prior degrees from Osaka Prefecture University.
Education:
- Postdoctoral: Chemistry, University of California - Berkeley (2020)
- Ph.D.: Chemistry, Rice University (2018)
- M.S.: Chemistry, Osaka Prefecture University (2013)
- B.S.: Chemistry, Osaka Prefecture University (2011)
Research interests include selective chemical reactions on natural proteins, protein labeling methods in living systems, and bioconjugation techniques leveraging organic/organometallic chemistry. Recent work emphasizes activity-based sensing probes, catalytic labeling in nonaqueous media, and antimicrobial materials using quantum dots. His lab (Ohata Lab) bridges organic chemistry with therapeutic and biomedical applications, emphasizing inclusive education and mentorship.
Publications highlight advancements in bioconjugation strategies, protein functionalization, and analytical methods for biomolecules. Notable trends include exploration of nonaqueous reaction solvents, metal-free catalytic systems, and applications in antimicrobial materials. His work on CASPArS (Contextual Analysis of Scientific Publications for Advancing Writing Skills) also addresses scientific communication training.
Lab activities center on the Ohata Lab’s mission to integrate organic chemistry with protein science, fostering collaborative environments for cutting-edge research and education. Current projects involve development of bioorthogonal chemistry tools and applications in drug delivery systems.
