Kalani Seu

Kalani Seu is a Professor of Biochemistry at Earlham College, where he teaches courses including Biochemistry, Principles of Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. His research focuses on lipid membranes' chemical and physical properties, particularly their interactions with peptides and small molecules like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). He emphasizes collaborative research with undergraduates, having led projects on membrane leakage mechanisms and lipid dynamics.

Education: Ph.D., Purdue University (Chemistry); B.A., Earlham College (Chemistry). Professional memberships include the American Chemical Society and Biophysical Society.

Research interests center on lipid-lipid, lipid-protein, and lipid-small molecule interactions, with recent emphasis on EGCG's therapeutic potential in HIV and cancer. Over a decade of collaborative work with students has explored membrane charge effects, rigidity, and hydration dynamics using techniques like FTIR spectroscopy and fluorescence assays.

Key presentations include the 2013 Lilly Undergraduate Research Symposium and multiple ACS National Meetings. His work bridges foundational biochemistry with applied biomedical research, leveraging student collaboration to advance understanding of membrane biology.