Laurence Angel

Dr. Laurence Angel is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry within the College of Science and Engineering at East Texas A&M University (ETAMU), where he has served since 2019 after previously holding positions as Associate Professor (2013-2019) and Assistant Professor at TAMUC (now ETAMU). His academic journey began in the United Kingdom where he initially doubted the need for higher education but later pursued environmental and life sciences at Sussex University, eventually earning his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the same institution in 2000. Prior to joining ETAMU, he served as Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada (2007-2013) and Assistant Research Professor (2003-2007).

Dr. Angel's research focuses on the intersection of analytical chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, and computational methods, with particular expertise in ion mobility-mass spectrometry techniques. His work examines metal ion recognition and redox activity of alternative metal binding oligopeptides, with applications ranging from protein purification using immobilized metal affinity chromatography to therapeutic approaches for diseases involving elevated metal ion levels. His research group actively investigates zinc, nickel, and copper binding to various peptide structures, employing both experimental techniques and density functional theory molecular modeling in collaboration with Dr. Riccardo Spezia from Sorbonne Université.

Analysis of Dr. Angel's publication record reveals a sustained research trajectory centered on metal-peptide interactions, with recent work expanding into therapeutic applications for metal-related diseases and cancer metastasis inhibition. His publications demonstrate methodological sophistication combining ion mobility-mass spectrometry with computational approaches to understand metal binding thermodynamics, conformational changes, and redox behavior in peptide systems.

• Faculty Senate Recognition Award for Professional Excellence: "Fearless Investigation," TAMUC(now ETAMU), 2017
• Provost Award: Research and Creative Activity, TAMUC(now ETAMU), 2011
• Outstanding Professor and Researcher EB-1 Visa Award, University of Nevada, 2006
• Ph.D. Phil. Research Award, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, UK, 1996-1999

Dr. Angel has successfully secured substantial research funding including a $343,638 NSF grant (2023-2026), $216,267 NSF grant (2018-2022), $310,000 NSF Major Research Instrumentation grant (2008-2011), and $291,600 U.S. Department of Energy grant (2010). His research program actively involves undergraduate and graduate students in cutting-edge instrumental, biochemical and theoretical techniques with emphasis on engaging students underrepresented in science. His laboratory focuses on developing ion mobility mass spectrometry techniques to study metal ion recognition and redox activity of metal binding oligopeptides, with applications in protein purification, therapeutics for metal-related diseases, and cancer metastasis inhibition.