Mary Prorok

Dr. Mary Prorok is an Assistant Professor at the University of Notre Dame's College of Science, Department of Chemistry, since 1998. Her research focuses on structure-function relationships in peptides and proteins, particularly those containing gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla), such as blood coagulation factors and neuroactive conantokins from marine snail venom. She also investigates plasminogen and angiostatin.

Education:

• B.S. in Medicinal Chemistry (1982, SUNY Buffalo, magna cum laude)
• Ph.D. in Chemistry (1990, SUNY Buffalo)
• Postdoctoral Fellow at Brandeis University (NIH, 1990–1993) and Notre Dame (AHA, 1994–1997)

Her work combines site-specific mutagenesis and peptide synthesis with biophysical methods (X-ray crystallography, NMR, SPR). Functional assessments include enzymology and electrophysiology in mice. Recent publications highlight her focus on conantokin peptides, Gla residues, and plasminogen interactions.

Scientific Awards:

• American Heart Association Scientist Development Grant

She has authored over 40 publications, with recent trends in neuropharmacology, hematology, and structural analysis.