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Sebastian SchuckView profile

Professor

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Membrane Biology
• +4 more

Overview Sebastian Schuck is a Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology at Heidelberg University's Biochemistry Center (BZH). His research focuses on organelle homeostasis, particularly the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), with emphasis on ER membrane biogenesis, ER-phagy, and SHRED pathways. He leads an international team investigating how cells adapt ER structure and function under stress or disease conditions. Education & Career Since 2021: Professor at Heidelberg University BZH 2013–2021: Independent Group Leader at Heidelberg University's Center for Molecular Biology 2006–2013: Postdoc with Peter Walter at UCSF 2001–2006: PhD and Postdoc with Kai Simons at Dresden's Max Planck Institute 1995–2000: Biochemistry studies at Universities of Hannover and Tübingen Research Interests Dr. Schuck's lab explores molecular mechanisms underlying ER homeostasis, including: 1. ER expansion during stress via lipid synthesis 2. Microautophagy-mediated ER degradation via ESCRT machinery 3. SHRED pathway regulation of proteasomal degradation of misfolded proteins 4. Links between ER stress and neurodegenerative diseases/cancer Awards & Honors No specific awards listed, but recognized for pioneering contributions to understanding microautophagy and ER quality control mechanisms. Advising & Collaborations Advised over 20 PhD/Master's students and postdocs Collaborations with Carlos Bas-Orth (MPI Biochemistry), Liam Holt (NY), and others Labs & Teams Current lab includes 10+ members focusing on: - Human ER morphogenesis - Microautophagy dynamics - SHRED pathway mechanisms

Sharon RozovskyView profile

Professor

• Oxidative Stress
• Protein Quality Control
• ERAD Pathway
• +5 more

Sharon Rozovsky is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Delaware's College of Arts & Sciences, where she leads research on oxidative stress response mechanisms and protein quality control pathways. Her work bridges biochemistry, chemical biology, and structural biology with direct implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases and viral pathogenesis. Her academic foundation includes a B.S. from Tel Aviv University (1994) and a Ph.D. from Columbia University (2000), establishing her expertise in protein dynamics and redox biochemistry. These credentials underpin her innovative approaches to studying cellular stress responses. Rozovsky's research program centers on selenoproteins—proteins containing the rare amino acid selenocysteine—and their critical roles in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress resolution. She investigates how membrane-bound selenoproteins like Selenoprotein S and K regulate the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway, with recent work revealing their surprising autoproteolytic activity and involvement in SARS-CoV-2 replication. Her lab pioneers chemical tools including expressed protein ligation and advanced 77Se NMR spectroscopy to characterize these systems at molecular resolution. Analysis of her 2021-2025 publications shows dominant themes in selenoprotein structure-function relationships, ER stress mechanisms, and viral interactions, alongside methodological innovations in cryo-EM grid technology and NMR. This body of work demonstrates consistent focus on redox biochemistry with expanding applications in virology and structural biology. No major scientific awards or fellowships were explicitly documented in the available materials, though her research impact is evident through high-impact publications and methodological contributions. She directs the active Rozovsky Research Group, mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in biochemical and biophysical techniques. Her laboratory operations are supported by competitive funding including an NSF CAREER award (2011) focused on selenoprotein reactivity, reflecting sustained recognition of her innovative research program.

Paras N. PrasadView profile

Professor

• Photonics
• Nanophotonics
• Biophotonics
• +4 more

Paras N. Prasad is a SUNY Distinguished Professor with joint appointments in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, and Electrical Engineering at the University at Buffalo. He serves as Executive Director of the Institute for Lasers, Photonics and Biophotonics (ILPB), which he founded in 1999. Dr. Prasad holds the Samuel P. Capen Chair of Chemistry and has pioneered interdisciplinary research at the interface of photonics, nanotechnology, and biomedicine. Education: BSc, Bihar University, India (1964) MSc, Bihar University, India (1966) PhD, University of Pennsylvania (1971) Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Michigan (1971-74) Research Focus: Dr. Prasad's multidisciplinary research spans photonics, nanophotonics, and biophotonics, with emphasis on nonlinear optical processes in nanostructured materials. His work develops photonic technologies for information processing, medical imaging, and cancer therapy through nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems and diagnostic platforms. The ILPB laboratory features state-of-the-art instrumentation for advanced optical research. Publication Trends: Recent articles demonstrate strong focus on nanomedicine applications, particularly cancer theranostics using functional nanoparticles. Key themes include drug delivery systems, chiral photonic materials, bioimaging technologies, and nanoparticle synthesis techniques. The research consistently bridges fundamental materials science with translational medical applications. Honors and Awards: SPIE Gold Medal (2016) IEEE Photonics Society William Streifer Award (2021) American Chemical Society Peter Debye Award (2018) OSA Michael Feld Biophotonics Award (2017) IEEE Pioneer Award in Nanotechnology (2017) Fellow of National Academy of Inventors (2016) Guggenheim Fellowship (1997) Leadership: As ILPB Executive Director, Dr. Prasad leads multidisciplinary teams developing photonic technologies with applications in healthcare, energy, and communications. His research has generated nine spin-off companies, including Nanobiotix currently in advanced cancer therapy trials.

• Virology
• Molecular Pathology
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• +5 more

Dr. Richard Y. Zhao is a tenured Professor in the Department of Pathology and Microbiology-Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His research combines molecular biology, fission yeast genetics, mammalian biology, and virology to study virus-host interactions, particularly for HIV and Zika virus. He previously held academic positions at Northwestern University and Columbia University and has contributed to over 120 peer-reviewed articles. B.S., China Oceanography University (1981) M.S., Oregon State University (1995) Ph.D., Oregon State University (1991) Postdoctoral Training, Columbia University (1991-1992) Dr. Zhao's research focuses on: Virus-host interactions and pathogenicity High-throughput drug screening for antivirals Role of viral proteins in neuroinflammation and cancer Translational genomics in precision medicine His recent publications highlight SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a, Zika envelope proteins, and HIV protease inhibitors, emphasizing host-pathogen mechanisms across species. He has served on NIH panels and editorial boards for journals like Cell Research and Retrovirology . Scientific awards include: Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology (2019) Bernard L Mirkin Endowed Chair (2001-2004) Honorary Director, Shandong Gallo Institute (2009) Distinguished Service from SCBA (2015) Outstanding Service from CBA-USA (2016) Dr. Zhao also contributes to clinical diagnostics and personalized medicine through molecular testing and pharmacogenetics programs.

Sebastian HillerView profile

Professor

• Structural Biology
• NMR Spectroscopy
• Protein Folding
• +4 more

Professor Sebastian Hiller is a Full Professor at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, Switzerland, where he leads a research group focused on structural biology and biophysics. His laboratory specializes in using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to elucidate the structures and functions of proteins and their interactions at the atomic level. His research spans several key areas including molecular chaperones and protein folding mechanisms, outer membrane protein biogenesis in bacteria, and kinase signaling pathways. Notably, his group has made significant contributions to understanding how chaperones like trigger factor function, the mechanisms of outer membrane protein assembly through the Bam complex, and dynamic kinase interactions. Their work has direct implications for neurodegenerative diseases and antibiotic development. The Hiller lab's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on NMR methodology development, protein folding dynamics, and structural mechanisms of antibiotic action. Their research on darobactin's mechanism of action against Gram-negative bacteria represents a significant advance in antibiotic discovery. The group frequently publishes in high-impact journals including Nature, Science, and Nature Communications. ICMRBS Founder's Medal (2018) EMBO Young Investigator (2014) ERC starting grant (2011) SNSF professorship (2010) SNSF scholarship for young researchers (2008) Professor Hiller supervises numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, with many alumni having secured prestigious positions in academia and industry. His laboratory maintains strong collaborations across multiple institutions and has received significant funding through ERC grants and other competitive mechanisms. The Hiller group also operates advanced NMR facilities that serve the broader research community at the University of Basel.

Ramanujan HegdeView profile

Professor

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Membrane Proteins
• +3 more

Ramanujan Hegde serves as a Professor and Group Leader at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), University of Cambridge, where he directs research on membrane protein biosynthesis and cellular quality control mechanisms. His work examines how membrane proteins are accurately targeted to organelles, inserted into lipid bilayers, folded, and assembled into functional complexes, with emphasis on the cellular pathways that eliminate defective proteins to prevent disease. Professor Hegde's research program focuses on fundamental questions in cell biology: How do cells ensure precise membrane protein localization? What molecular machinery governs protein insertion and folding? How do quality control systems detect and degrade misfolded proteins? His investigations reveal that biosynthetic failures are common, triggering degradation pathways linked to diseases like neurodegeneration. Key research areas include: Intramembrane chaperone mechanisms for multipass membrane proteins Orphan subunit recognition during complex assembly Ribosome-associated mRNA degradation in autoregulation Proteasome assembly quality control ER membrane protein complex functions Molecular basis of protein aggregation diseases His 2017-2023 publications in Cell, Nature, and Science demonstrate consistent innovation in protein quality control, with landmark discoveries including UBE2O's role in orphan subunit degradation, the EMC as a transmembrane domain insertase, and TTC5-mediated tubulin autoregulation. These works bridge basic cell biology with disease mechanisms through rigorous biochemical and structural approaches. Professor Hegde mentors a research team of 11 scientists: Christine Desroches Altamirano Zhong Yan Gan Dino Janssen Ryan Judy Jennifer Miao Elizabeth Miller Tim Stevens Julia Toplak Huping Wang Haoxi Wu Eszter Zavodszky His laboratory operates within the MRC LMB's world-class infrastructure, utilizing advanced techniques in biochemistry, structural biology, and cell imaging. Supported by Medical Research Council funding, the group maintains strong collaborations across Cambridge and internationally to dissect protein biogenesis pathways with implications for therapeutic development in protein-misfolding disorders.

Brenda SchulmanView profile

Professor

• Structural biology
• Ubiquitin-proteasome system
• Ubiquitin-like proteins
• +5 more

Brenda Schulman is a Professor and Director of the Molecular Machines and Signaling Pathways department at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Martinsried, Germany. She also holds an honorary professorship at the Technical University of Munich's Department of Chemistry and serves as Adjunct Faculty at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, USA. Her research focuses on understanding how ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins regulate cellular processes through protein modification. Dr. Schulman's research interests center on structural biology of the ubiquitin-proteasome system and ubiquitin-like proteins. Her work has shown that hundreds of dynamic multiprotein complexes are transiently converted into different conformations by specialized regulatory factors that control ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins, thereby monitoring virtually all processes in cell biology. She combines biochemical reconstitution, structural analysis, enzymology, protein design, cell biology, and genetics to understand how these molecular machines function. Her research has significant implications for understanding diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and viral infections where defects in ubiquitin pathways are implicated. Her extensive publication record demonstrates expertise in ubiquitin signaling, protein degradation mechanisms, structural biology of E3 ligases, and molecular machines. Her work spans from fundamental mechanisms of ubiquitin chain formation to therapeutic applications in targeted protein degradation. Among her numerous scientific accolades are the Feldberg Prize for Anglo-German Scientific Exchange (2025), ERC Advanced Grant (2023), Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine (2023), Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (2019), and election to the National Academy of Sciences (2014). She has also received the Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Award from The Protein Society and has been an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Dr. Schulman leads an active research group that has produced numerous high-impact publications in top journals including Nature, Cell, and Nature Structural & Molecular Biology. Her team has made significant contributions to understanding the structural mechanisms of ubiquitin transfer, E3 ligase specificity, and the role of ubiquitin in cellular quality control pathways. Current research in her lab focuses on deciphering the ubiquitin code and developing novel approaches for targeted protein degradation.

William BalchView profile

Professor

• Proteostasis
• Genetic Variation
• Machine Learning in Biology
• +6 more

William Balch, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Scripps Research. His research focuses on linking genetic variation in human populations to protein function using machine learning tools like Gaussian Process (GP) modeling. He pioneered concepts in proteostasis and spatial covariance, exploring how genetic and environmental factors influence protein folding and disease. Education: Ph.D. in Microbiology from University of Illinois (1979) Research interests include inherited diseases (e.g., CFTR, AATD, NPC1), aging-related proteostasis collapse, and host-pathogen interactions in SARS-CoV-2. His lab develops computational platforms to model protein design and discover therapeutic interventions. Key projects involve GP-based analysis of genetic diversity, small molecule therapeutics targeting chaperone systems, and understanding viral evolution via spatial covariance. His work bridges genomics and phenomics to address disease mechanisms at atomic resolution. Grants and collaborations focus on protein-folding correction, with applications in precision medicine and climate change mitigation through RuBisCo optimization in plants.

Sebastian SchlückerView profile

Professor

• Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)
• Plasmonics
• Nanophotonics
• +12 more

Prof. Dr. Sebastian Schlücker is a full professor in the Department of Physical Chemistry at the University of Duisburg-Essen , where he leads the Molecular Biophotonics and Nanodiagnostics research group within the Faculty of Chemistry. He is actively engaged in research, teaching, and academic leadership, with a strong focus on advanced spectroscopic techniques for biomedical and analytical applications. His research interests lie at the intersection of nanophotonics, plasmonics, and bioanalytical chemistry . Key areas include surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) , single-particle spectroscopy , laser diagnostics , and the design of functionalized metal colloids for biosensing and tumor diagnostics. He emphasizes a theory-guided approach combining simulation and experiment to tailor nanoparticle properties. His recent publications (2023–2025) reflect a strong trend toward quantitative, label-free molecular diagnostics , point-of-care testing , and in situ monitoring of catalytic and biological processes . The work spans fundamental plasmonics to clinical applications, particularly in cancer detection and immunoassays using SERS nanotags. International Raman Innovation Prize He mentors students and researchers, supervises theses, and collaborates widely across disciplines. His group develops advanced instrumentation, including portable SERS readers , fs-laser laboratories , and automated nanoparticle synthesis systems (e.g., BONAPARTE robot). He teaches master’s courses such as NanoBioPhotonics and Optical Spectroscopy , and is involved in STEM outreach.

Ross DalbeyView profile

Professor

• Biochemistry
• Membrane Biology
• Proteins
• +3 more

Dr. Ross Dalbey is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at The Ohio State University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Washington (1978) and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Washington State University (1983). Postdoctoral training included work with Prof. William Wickner at UCLA. His research focuses on membrane protein assembly and proteases, particularly the YidC protein's role in membrane insertion and folding. Key areas include biophysical mechanisms of protein insertion, signal peptidase function, and mitochondrial membrane systems. He has held NIH and AAAS fellowships, and his lab has been funded by NIH and NSF for over three decades. His students hold academic and industry positions at institutions like NIH, MIT, and pharmaceutical companies such as Eli Lilly. Education: B.S., Chemistry, University of Washington, 1978 Ph.D., Biochemistry, Washington State University, 1983 Awards: American Cancer Society Junior Faculty Award (1989–1992) Elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Professional Memberships: American Chemical Society Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology American Society of Microbiology Sigma Xi Phi Kappa Phi His lab investigates how proteins are inserted into membranes and folded, with emphasis on the YidC/Oxa1 family of insertases. Recent work explores YidC's substrate specificity, dimeric structure, and interactions with the Sec translocon. Studies on proteases like signal peptidase reveal their roles in membrane-associated peptide cleavage. Collaborations include structural biology with Prof. Horst Vogel in Switzerland and functional analyses with Prof. White at Ohio State. Research highlights include defining YidC's role in multispan membrane protein integration and uncovering evolutionary conservation across bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryotic systems. The lab's findings contribute to understanding mitochondrial protein insertion pathways and drug design targeting membrane-associated enzymes.

Jonathan WeissmanView profile

Professor

• Protein Folding
• Systems Biology
• Genomics
• +6 more

Jonathan Weissman is a Professor of Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a Member of the Whitehead Institute. He is also an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Landon T. Clay Professor of Biology. His research spans protein folding mechanisms, ribosome profiling, CRISPR-based tools (CRISPRi/a), and genetic interaction mapping. Whitehead Institute Member MIT Professor HHMI Investigator Co-founder, Maze Therapeutics & KSQ Therapeutics Research Interests focus on: Protein folding in cellular contexts Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function and stress responses Genome-wide CRISPR screening for gene regulation High-density genetic interaction maps in mammals Mitochondrial protein targeting and quality control Epigenomic engineering with synthetic tools Scientific Awards include: Protein Society Irving Sigal Young Investigator Award (2004) Raymond & Beverly Sackler Prize (2008) National Academy of Sciences election (2009) NAS Award for Scientific Discovery (2015) Genetics Society of America Ira Herskowitz Award (2020) Labs & Collaborations : Leads the Weissman Lab at MIT/Whitehead Institute, co-leads the Laboratory for Genomic Research with GlaxoSmithKline, and chairs the Stowers Institute Scientific Advisory Board.

• Membrane Biology
• Cellular Stress Response
• Lysosomal Function
• +2 more

Dr. Phyllis I. Hanson is the Minor J. Coon Professor and Chair of Biological Chemistry at the University of Michigan Medical School. She also holds secondary appointments in Neurology and Cell and Developmental Biology, with affiliations to the Rogel Cancer Center and Precision Health Initiative. Research Interests: Her lab investigates mechanisms of cellular membrane stress sensing and repair, focusing on lysosomes and the ESCRT pathway. Her work integrates biochemical, cell biological, and advanced imaging techniques to study organelle membrane dynamics in health and disease. Recent Publications highlight her contributions to understanding ESCRT function in endolysosomal trafficking, membrane resilience under osmotic stress, and protein degradation pathways. These studies intersect with neurodegeneration, cancer biology, and infectious disease. Scientific Awards: AAAS Fellow Keck Scholar Searle Scholar Sloan Scholar McKnight Scholar Grants from NIH and disease-focused foundations since 2018 support her work on ESCRT pathway analysis, HSC70 AMPylation, and signal relay during cell migration. Leadership: She co-chairs Michigan Medicine’s Endowment for the Basic Sciences and chaired the 2024 Gordon Research Conference on Lysosomes & Endocytosis. She serves as Associate Editor of the Journal of Biological Chemistry .

Michael VeitView profile

Associate Professor

• Virology
• Viral Cell Biology
• Virus–Host Membrane Interactions
• +5 more

PD Dr. Michael Veit is an Associate Professor (Privatdozent) at the Institute of Virology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin , where he heads the independent Research Group Veit – Cell Biology of Viral Infections . He is a faculty member of the Center for Infection Medicine and participates in the Berlin Equine Virus Lab (BEVL). Education & Training Doctorate (Dr. rer. nat.) in Virology/Biochemistry – exact institution not stated in text. Post-doctoral qualification (Privatdozent) awarded by Freie Universität Berlin. Research Focus Veit’s laboratory investigates the molecular and cellular biology of enveloped RNA viruses , with emphasis on virus–host membrane interactions and post-translational lipid modifications (S-acylation/palmitoylation). His group combines reverse genetics, live-cell imaging, mass spectrometry and structural approaches to dissect how viral glycoproteins are modified, trafficked and assembled into infectious particles. Model pathogens include influenza A, B, C and D viruses, coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2, MERS-like CoVs, PHEV, PDCoV), arteriviruses (PRRSV, EAV), alphaviruses (Getah, CHIKV-like), and other emerging zoonotic agents. Publication Trends From 2020 to 2025 Veit has published >30 high-impact articles that cluster around four major themes: (i) coronavirus surveillance and zoonotic risk assessment , (ii) mechanistic dissection of protein acylation in influenza and arteriviruses , (iii) structure-function analysis of viral entry receptors (ACE2, LDLR), and (iv) development of reverse-genetic tools and reporter viruses for antiviral screening. Grants & Collaborative Networks Ongoing third-party funded projects coordinated by Veit are not explicitly listed in the text, but the continuous publication output and mention of “Current Collaborations” imply active grant support. He collaborates closely with other FU Berlin groups (Osterrieder, Kaufer, Azab) and international partners on coronavirus and influenza consortia. Laboratory & Teams The Research Group Veit comprises post-docs, PhD students and technicians working in BSL-2 and BSL-3 facilities at the Institute of Virology. Core platforms include confocal & FLIM microscopy, quantitative proteomics, and reverse-genetics suites for segmented RNA viruses.

• Thrombosis
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Endothelial cell biology
• +7 more

Associate Professor Freda Passam is a Clinical Academic Haematologist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, specializing in thrombosis and haemostasis. She leads the Haematology Research Group at the Charles Perkins Centre, focusing on platelet biology, endothelial cell dysfunction, and translational research in cardiovascular diseases. Her work integrates basic science with clinical applications, including developing microfluidic technologies like the Endo-chip for thrombosis diagnosis and therapy screening. Education: MD and PhD in Greece (angiogenesis in Hodgkin’s lymphoma), postdoctoral training at UNSW and Harvard University. Research spans platelet hyperactivity in diabetes, immune thrombosis (e.g., HIT), and thiol isomerase inhibitors as antithrombotics. Collaborates globally with institutions like Harvard and the University of Utah. Research Interests: 1) Platelet biomarkers in diabetes-related cardiovascular risk; 2) Immune thrombosis diagnostics/therapies (e.g., Endo-chip); 3) Bone marrow-on-chip models for thrombopoiesis. Current projects include SEC61B regulation of calcium flux, endothelial thromboinflammation, and ERp5/ERp57 roles in platelet production. Grants: Over $6M in funding from NHMRC, MRFF, NSW Health, and industry partnerships. Notable awards include Sydney Nano Grand Challenge Award (2022) and SLHD VTE Stewardship Award (2020). Advising: Mentors over 6 PhD/master’s students in thrombosis research, emphasizing clinical/research integration. Teaching includes Sydney Medicine curriculum, bedside tutorials, and student engagement in lab activities. Labs/Teams: Haematology Research Group (Charles Perkins Centre), collaborations with Sydney Health Partners, Harvard, and international haematology groups. Develops technologies like the Endo-chip and bone marrow-on-chip models.

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Organic Synthesis
• +3 more

Wei Shi is an Associate Professor of Chemistry (Organic) at Ball State University’s College of Sciences and Humanities, Department of Chemistry. He joined the institution in 2019, specializing in teaching Organic Chemistry and conducting research in Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, and Organic Synthesis. His research focuses on designing chemical probes derived from natural products to understand small molecule regulation of macro-biomolecules for disease treatment. Education: B.Sc. in Electrochemistry from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China), M.Sc. in Bioorganic Chemistry from East China University of Science & Technology (China), Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Alberta (Canada), and postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (USA). Research Interests: Explores the pharmaceutical potential of bioactive natural products, particularly glycoconjugates, aiming to design novel drug candidates with enhanced therapeutic profiles. Key projects include studying ipomoeassin F’s mechanism of action as an ER translocon inhibitor and developing itraconazole analogs for antiangiogenic and anticancer applications. Selected Publications: Over 20 peer-reviewed articles, including landmark studies on ipomoeassin F’s Sec61α binding, itraconazole’s dual targeting of NPC1/VDAC1, and structural analog design. Recent work highlights Sec61 translocon inhibition mechanisms in Mycobacterium ulcerans pathogenesis and ER stress response modulation in cancer cells. Labs/Teams: Director of the Shi Research Group , focusing on natural product-inspired drug discovery and chemical biology.