Lisa Ryno

Lisa Ryno is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Oberlin College, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on combating antibiotic resistance through molecular biology and biochemistry.

• Education: BS in Chemistry from Trinity University (2008), PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from The Scripps Research Institute (2012).

Her lab explores two main areas: small molecule inhibitors targeting bacterial chaperones and stress-responsive signaling pathways in Gram-negative bacteria. Current projects investigate sugar-mediated transcriptomic changes, chaperone-client interactions, and detection of sub-inhibitory antibiotic concentrations.

Recent publications analyze how carbohydrates like L-arabinose and L-rhamnose modulate biofilm growth, transcriptomes, and antibiotic sensitivity. Her work emphasizes novel antibiotic discovery and biofilm disruption.

• Scientific Awards:
  • NSF Grant (2022) for sugar-mediated biofilm research
  • Excellence in Teaching Honors (2024)

Lisa mentors undergraduate researchers and welcomes student collaboration. Her teaching includes courses in biochemistry, bioorganic chemistry, and general chemistry.