Find Academic Supervisors

Amy E. FraleyView profile

Assistant Professor

• Natural Products Biosynthesis
• Biotechnology
• Biochemistry
• +6 more

Amy E. Fraley is an Assistant Professor at ETH Zürich, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, and leads the Medicinal Chemistry Research Group. Her cross-disciplinary work bridges natural products biosynthesis, pharmaceutical sciences, and environmental sustainability through enzymatic chemistry and biotechnology. BSc in Chemistry, Millersville University of Pennsylvania (2014) PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy (2019) Postdoctoral work at ETH Zürich Institute of Microbiology under Prof. Jörn Piel Her research focuses on harnessing biosynthetic enzymes (e.g., halogenases, monooxygenases, Diels-Alderases) to create sustainable bioactive metabolites. She explores natural product biosynthesis in fungi and marine bacteria, targeting disease mechanisms and green chemistry applications. Recent work includes metagenomic studies of Lake Chilika microbial mats and polyketide synthase engineering. Notable scientific awards include the 2024 JSP Fellow at Bürgenstock Conference, 2018 Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship, and multiple University of Michigan honors. Her group secured funding from the ETH4D Doctoral Mentorship Grant and Messerli Foundation . Collaborations span structural biology, synthetic chemistry, and microbiology, with key contributions to flavoenzyme characterization and bioactive compound libraries . The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary training and innovation in biocatalytic tools for organic synthesis.

Megan L. MatthewsView profile

Assistant Professor

• Chemical Biology
• Enzymology
• Chemical Proteomics
• +7 more

Megan L. Matthews is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts & Sciences, where she leads an active research group focused on chemical biology and enzymology. Her lab develops innovative chemical proteomics technologies to uncover novel enzyme cofactors and regulatory post-translational modifications, particularly those involving reactive electrophiles, which cannot be predicted from genomic sequences. B.S. in Chemistry, Miami University (2005) Ph.D. in Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University (2011) Postdoctoral Fellow, The Scripps Research Institute (2012–2017) Her research centers on the concept of the 'electrophilome'—a largely unexplored half of the reactive proteome. By designing 'reverse-polarity' chemical probes, her group enables the discovery of functionally significant electrophilic modifications in proteins, especially those involved in cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. These discoveries open new avenues for therapeutic intervention through covalent targeting. The recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on enzyme mechanisms, cofactor discovery, and chemical probe development. Her work spans from fundamental enzymology (e.g., halogenases, ribonucleotide reductases) to applied chemical biology (e.g., hydrazine probes, chemoproteomic profiling). The keywords across her publications highlight emerging themes in metalloenzymes, radical chemistry, and covalent proteome mapping. Her scientific contributions have been recognized through prestigious fellowships, including the Merck Helen Hay Whitney Postdoctoral Fellowship. She has published in top-tier journals such as Nature , Nature Chemical Biology , and Journal of the American Chemical Society . Dr. Matthews advises graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in her lab, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. Her lab emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in scientific discovery. She has secured research funding to support projects in probe development, target characterization, and disease mechanism studies, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. The Matthews Lab is actively engaged in advancing reverse-polarity activity-based protein profiling (RP-ABPP) for in vivo applications and inhibitor screening. The group collaborates with experts in structural biology, spectroscopy, and disease modeling to translate basic discoveries into therapeutic insights.

Jason MicklefieldView profile

Professor

• Biosynthesis
• Biocatalysis
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
• +3 more

Jason Micklefield is a Professor of Chemical Biology at the University of Manchester's School of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. His research focuses on sustainable bio-inspired molecular synthesis, integrating organic chemistry, enzymology, and molecular microbiology. He holds an honorary Visiting Professorship at East China University of Science and Technology. Micklefield earned his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge in 1993 and completed postdoctoral work at the University of Washington before joining Manchester in 1998. His lab specializes in biosynthesis pathway engineering, biocatalysis, and nucleic acid chemistry. Education: PhD in Chemistry (1993), University of Cambridge NATO Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Washington, USA (1993–1995) Lecturer in Organic Chemistry, Birkbeck College, University of London (1995–1998) Research Themes: Biosynthesis of novel antibiotics to combat AMR, including pathway engineering for agrochemicals and drug discovery. Biocatalysis and integrated catalysis for sustainable synthesis of pharmaceuticals, focusing on amide ligases and halogenases. Nucleic acid therapeutics and riboswitch engineering for synthetic genetic control. Key Achievements: Discovered CfaL ligases enabling amide synthesis without protecting groups. Engineered vitamin K-dependent carboxylases for novel antibiotic pathways. Developed orthogonal riboswitches for synthetic biology applications. Awards: RSC Bader Award (2019) NPR Lecture Award Lab & Collaborations: The interdisciplinary Micklefield Lab includes chemists, biochemists, and bioinformaticians. Projects include MESNA (modified nucleic acid synthesis) and collaborations on sustainable chemical manufacturing.

• Bioorganic Chemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Organic Chemistry
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Norbert Sewald, Chair of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry at Bielefeld University, is a leading figure in Bioorganic Chemistry , Chemical Biology , and Enzymatic Halogenation . As head of the Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry Group at the Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), he drives research on natural products and drug conjugates. Full Professor, Bielefeld University (since 1999) Founding Coordinator, International Graduate School of Chemistry and Biochemistry (2001-2003) Chairman, Institute of Biochemistry and Bioengineering at CeBiTec (2006-2008) Dean, Department of Chemistry (2008-2011) Chairman, Max-Bergmann-Kreis e.V. (since 2010) Coordinator, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Training Networks (MAGICBULLET, 2015-2018; Magicbullet::reloaded, 2020-2023) His research focuses on halogenases for mild peptide bromination, cryptophycin-based tumor targeting , and bioactive natural products from African flora. Collaborative projects span antiplasmodial agents , antibacterial compounds , and neurodegenerative disease inhibitors . Recent work highlights include: Enzymatic halogenation cascades Click-to-release drug conjugates Fluorescent probes for amyloid detection Key affiliations: Faculty of Chemistry Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec) European Peptide Society (Scientific Affairs Officer, 2016-) Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (Scientific Advisory Board, 2010-2017)

• Proteomics
• Metabolomics
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Karsten Niehaus serves as Head of the Proteome and Metabolome Research Group at the Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec) and Faculty of Biology, University of Bielefeld. His research focuses on proteomics and metabolomics applications in plant-microbe interactions, bacterial stress responses, and disease model systems. His laboratory employs advanced mass spectrometry imaging and cell phenotyping technologies to investigate molecular responses in crops like sugar beet and grapevines under abiotic stress conditions, as well as in cancer models where differentiation therapy impacts tumor malignancy. The group also explores microbial biotechnology through Xanthomonas campestris studies on xanthan production and stress adaptation. Selected publications highlight innovations in 3D microfluidics for biomarker detection and bioinformatics platforms like MetHoS for metabolomics data analysis. His work appears in journals covering Frontiers in Plant Science , Scientific Reports , and Journal of Experimental Botany . Contact: kniehaus@cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de | Office: UHG W7-117

Rebecca BullerView profile

Professor

• Biocatalysis
• Enzyme Engineering
• Computational Protein Design
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Rebecca Buller is a leading researcher at the ZHAW School of Life Sciences and Facility Management , specializing in biocatalysis and enzyme engineering. Her work bridges computational methods with industrial applications, focusing on sustainable chemical synthesis and food safety. Research Interests : Biocatalysis, enzyme design, halogenation reactions, mycotoxin reduction, 3D bioprinting inks, machine learning-driven enzyme optimization. Key Projects : National Competence Center of Research Catalysis , Microbial Epimerases for Drug Synthesis , Reduction of Mycotoxins in Food Streams , and Excelzyme (university-industry collaboration). Publications highlight advancements in: Temperature-induced enzyme stabilization (2025) Computational protein design (2024) Mutational path enrichment (2024) Mycotoxin detoxification (2024) Industrial biocatalysis (2023-2024) Collaborations span institutions like the University of Basel, ETH Zurich, and industry partners in Switzerland. Her work integrates computational analysis, directed evolution, and real-world applications in pharmaceuticals and food safety.

• Biophysical Chemistry
• Photoreceptors
• Infrared Spectroscopy
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Tilman Kottke is a W3 Professor at Bielefeld University , holding positions in both the Faculty of Chemistry and the Medical School OWL . His research focuses on Biophysical chemistry of photoreceptors Time-resolved infrared spectroscopy Flavin cofactor dynamics Light-driven proton and electron transfer Algal and plant cryptochromes Education includes a PhD in Physical Chemistry (University of Regensburg, 2000-2003) Diploma in Chemistry (University of Marburg, 1995-2000) Research trends from his 15 most recent publications reveal: Advancements in in-cell infrared spectroscopy for studying photoreceptors in native environments Elucidation of flavin photoreduction mechanisms in cryptochromes Engineering LOV domains for novel biocatalytic applications Development of smart microgels with dual-responsive properties Structural analysis of allosteric coupling in light-sensitive proteins Scientific awards include the Heisenberg Fellowship (DFG, 2015-2020) and recognition as a Helmholtz Young Investigator . He has led multiple DFG-funded projects on Flavin-dependent halogenases Cryptochrome signaling mechanisms Infrared spectroscopy of photoreceptors As a group leader since 2012, he has mentored junior researchers and collaborated with institutions in Finland , USA , and Germany . Key lab affiliations include the Physical and Biophysical Chemistry group at Bielefeld University.

Irina BorodinaView profile

Professor

• Synthetic Biology
• Metabolic Engineering
• Industrial Biotechnology
• +3 more

Irina Borodina is a Professor at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, affiliated with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Her research focuses on Yeast Metabolic Engineering, leveraging synthetic biology and systems biology approaches to develop microbial cell factories for sustainable production of bio-based chemicals. She leads the Yeast Metabolic Engineering group, which contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals by advancing bio-based alternatives to fossil-derived products. Research Interests : - Engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Yarrowia lipolytica for production of natural compounds (e.g., betalains, pheromones, sterols). - Metabolic pathway optimization using combinatorial and high-throughput methods. - Transporter discovery and engineering to enhance substrate uptake and product secretion. - Development of yeast strains for industrial applications in biopharmaceuticals, food additives, and biofuels. Recent Article Trends : Her work emphasizes scalable production of high-value chemicals (e.g., betanin, pheromones, sterols), integration of CRISPR/Cas9 tools for genome editing, and innovative approaches to overcome biofouling in microfluidic systems. Key themes include strain robustness, pathway efficiency, and sustainable bioprocessing. Grants & Advising : Current PhD students include O. Rogozenko (transporter engineering), Y. Zhang (yeast transportome), I. L. Mohr (natural food colorants), and S. Wang (Yarrowia lipolytica engineering). Projects are funded by initiatives like the Novo Nordisk Foundation and EU Horizon programs. Labs & Affiliations : - Yeast Metabolic Engineering Group (Center for Biosustainability) - DTU Microbes Initiative - Collaborations with institutions globally in synthetic biology and industrial biotechnology.

Yi TangView profile

Professor

• Natural Product Biosynthesis
• Organic Chemistry
• Enzymology
• +4 more

Yi Tang is a Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles specializing in organic chemistry and natural product biosynthesis. His research integrates enzymology, synthetic biology, and structural techniques to investigate the chemical logic of natural product formation, with a focus on pericyclic reactions, C-H functionalization, and fungal metabolite discovery. His primary research interests include enzymatic mechanisms in natural product assembly, genome mining for novel biosynthetic pathways, and engineering of biocatalytic systems. Recent work emphasizes copper-dependent enzymes, Diels-Alderase catalysis, and structural characterization of enzyme complexes using MicroED and mass spectrometry. Analysis of his 2025 publications reveals a dominant trend in structural biology-driven discovery of enzymatic mechanisms, particularly for unactivated C-H bond functionalization and fungal natural product biosynthesis. His work spans peptide macrocyclization, glycosylation, and combinatorial synthesis of protease inhibitors, demonstrating interdisciplinary approaches across chemistry and biology. Dr. Tang actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, recently acknowledging the contributions of Moriel, Kyle, Zuodong, and Brandon (2025). His laboratory receives support from multiple funding sources focused on natural product discovery and enzymology. The Tang Lab maintains a dynamic research environment centered on elucidating enzymatic machinery for complex molecule synthesis, with strong emphasis on translating mechanistic insights into biocatalytic applications and drug discovery pipelines.

Colleen CroweView profile

Associate Professor

• Emergency Medicine
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases
• +4 more

Colleen Crowe, MD, MPH, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). Her research spans diverse areas including synthetic biology, epidemiology of infectious diseases, neurology, and geriatric health outcomes. She has contributed to studies on antimicrobial resistance, foodborne pathogens, and clinical protocols in critical care. Her work also addresses medical education and resident feedback mechanisms in emergency medicine settings. Notable research interests include the application of halogenases in synthetic chemistry, the synergistic effects of caffeine on anesthetic responses, and narcolepsy epidemiology in pediatric populations. Her entomological work explores chemical attractants for pest control. In public health, she investigates frailty’s impact on mobility and driving safety among older adults. Dr. Crowe has authored peer-reviewed articles in journals like Chemical Society Reviews , Molecular Pharmacology , and Epidemiology and Infection . Her studies often bridge basic science and clinical practice, with implications for public health policy and emergency care protocols.

• Organic Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Synthetic Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Sunil Sharma is a Research Fellow at the School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews. His work focuses on interdisciplinary research spanning organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and synthetic biology. He specializes in organic synthesis methodologies, natural product diversification, and the application of enzymatic tools to design novel bioactive molecules. His research interests include the development of efficient synthetic strategies for complex molecules, such as C-glycosides, diketopiperazines, and thiazolidin-4-ones, with applications in cancer therapeutics and antibiotic discovery. He also explores halogenase enzymes and calixarene-based sensors for analytical and biomedical purposes. Dr. Sharma’s recent publications highlight advancements in cycloaddition-based glycosylation, synthetic biology-driven natural product engineering, and sustainable catalytic methods. His work bridges chemical synthesis with biological insights, exemplified by studies on violacein derivatization and pacidamycin diversification. He supervises PhD student Montella Simeon-Gordon and collaborates extensively with groups in organic synthesis, enzymology, and marine biotechnology. His research contributes to both academic advancements and potential industrial applications in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics.

John J. BellizziView profile

Associate Professor

• Biochemistry
• X-ray Crystallography
• Enzymology
• +5 more

John J. Bellizzi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Toledo's College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He utilizes biochemistry and X-ray crystallography to investigate enzyme structure-function relationships. MIT (B.S., 1994) Cornell University (M.S., 1996; Ph.D., 2000) Harvard University (Postdoctoral Fellow) Research focuses on enzymes regulating circadian rhythms (casein kinase 1δ/ε, nocturnin) and natural product biosynthesis (flavin-dependent halogenases). Recent work includes kinetic studies of BorF/AbeF flavin reductases and structural analysis of tryptophan halogenases. Selected publications (2019-2021) reveal mechanistic insights into flavin-dependent halogenation, circadian rhythm regulation, and kinetochore protein assembly. Research outputs include structural characterizations of key enzymes and investigations into their catalytic mechanisms. Contact: john.bellizzi@utoledo.edu

• Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology & Pharmacy
• Structural Biology
• +4 more

John J Bellizzi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Toledo's College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. His research focuses on structural biology, enzymology, and biochemistry, particularly in understanding the mechanisms of flavin-dependent enzymes and halogenases. Key Research Interests : Structural biology of enzymes, flavin reductases, tryptophan halogenases, protein-ligand interactions, biocatalysis, and molecular mechanisms of enzymatic reactions. Recent Publications : Dr. Bellizzi's recent work examines the kinetic mechanisms of flavin reductases BorF and AbeF, structural analysis of thermophilic tryptophan halogenases, and negative cooperativity in ligand binding. His 2025 studies on flavin-dependent halogenases highlight novel insights into enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Collaborative Work : He has collaborated with Song-Tao Liu on multiple publications from 2011 to 2024, focusing on shared research in structural and biochemical enzyme analysis. Contact : John.Bellizzi@utoledo.edu

• Natural Product Biosynthesis
• Marine Drug Discovery
• Halogenase Enzymes
• +2 more

Rebecca Goss is a Professor at the University of St Andrews School of Chemistry. Her research centers on natural product discovery, biosynthesis, and engineering, with emphasis on marine antibiotics, halogenase enzymes, and metabolomic approaches. She investigates biosynthetic gene clusters for compounds like marinomycin, develops synthetic biology tools for natural product diversification, and explores cyanobacterial metabolomics under viral stress. Her lab employs heterologous expression and computational methods to advance antibiotic discovery. Recent work includes AI-driven drug discovery frameworks, sustainable cross-coupling methodologies, and pandemic preparedness strategies. She leads interdisciplinary collaborations in metabolomics and bioinformatics.

• Marine Chemistry
• Antibiotic Research
• Microbial Metabolism
• +3 more

Dr Yunpeng Wang is a Research Fellow at the School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews. His research focuses on marine microbial chemistry, antibiotic discovery, and viral-microbe interactions. He collaborates extensively on projects involving microbial metabolites, enzymatic mechanisms, and the metabolic impacts of viral infections on aquatic organisms. Key research areas include the isolation and synthesis of novel marine natural products, genetic dissection of antibiotic biosynthetic pathways, and understanding viral influences on cyanobacteria's metabolic processes. His work bridges organic chemistry, microbiology, and environmental science, with applications in drug discovery and marine biotechnology. Dr Wang has contributed to high-impact studies published in journals like Marine Drugs , Biomolecules , and Nature Chemistry . His recent research emphasizes the exploration of marine viruses as sources of novel bioactive enzymes and the development of heterologous expression systems for antibiotic production.