Laura L Kiessling

Laura L Kiessling is the Novartis Professor of Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), affiliated with the Department of Chemistry within the College of Science. Her research focuses on chemical biology approaches to elucidate the roles of carbohydrates in biological systems, particularly in signal transduction, pathogen recognition, and stem cell regulation. Key areas include carbohydrate polymer biosynthesis, mycobacterial metabolism, and the design of synthetic glycopolymers for biomedical applications.

Her work integrates synthetic chemistry, structural biology, and cell biology to develop innovative tools like fluorogenic probes and expansion microscopy techniques. Kiessling’s lab has pioneered methods such as Lectin-Seq and modular polymeric antigens to study host-microbe interactions and immunity. She collaborates with institutions globally on projects ranging from antibiotic discovery to stem cell differentiation mechanisms. Her contributions bridge disciplines to address challenges in infectious diseases and regenerative medicine.

• Research Group: Kiessling Group
• Laboratory Website: kiesslinglab.com
• Administrative Assistant: Heather Hubbard

Her scientific achievements include developing glycan probes, understanding UDP-galactopyranose mutase inhibitors, and exploring chemoattractant mechanisms in bacteria. Kiessling’s work emphasizes interdisciplinary strategies to decode carbohydrate-mediated processes at molecular and cellular levels.