Thorsten Dieckmann

Thorsten Dieckmann is an Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo, where he also serves as Associate Chair (Graduate Studies and Research). He directs the Dieckmann Lab and the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, focusing on RNA and RNA-protein complexes using advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy techniques.

• Education: Dr. rer. nat. Chemistry (Technical University of Braunschweig, 1993); Dipl. Chem. Chemistry (Technical University of Braunschweig, 1991).

His research spans RNA structure and function, including ion-binding dynamics, molecular interactions, and catalytic properties. He investigates RNA-protein complexes through heteronuclear NMR and isotopic labeling, while also developing biochemical devices and analytical methods.

Recent work highlights trends in RNA-ligand interactions, protein dynamics, and structural biochemistry, particularly in calmodulin antagonism and tautomerism analysis. His lab employs differential mobility spectrometry for metabolite and drug transformation studies.

• Scientific Awards: Human Frontier Science Program Organization fellowship (1994); 'Dr. rer. nat' with honors (1993).

Thorsten contributes to academic governance as a steering committee member of the Guelph-Waterloo Centre for Graduate Work in Chemistry and Biochemistry and serves on the Faculty of Science Foundation board. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in biochemistry and biomaterials.