Dr. Jo Marie Bacusmo is an Instructional Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida. Specializing in General Microbiology, Bioinformatics, and International Studies, her teaching emphasizes critical thinking and active student participation. Her research focuses on tRNA modifications in bacteria, particularly their roles in translational fidelity and environmental adaptation. Key areas include Streptococcus mutans and Escherichia coli studies, exploring how tRNA modifications influence gene expression, protein synthesis, and bacterial physiology. Her recent work (2024–2025) examines environmental and nutritional controls over tRNA modifications, synergistic genetic defects, and ribosome pausing effects. Earlier studies (2017–2020) utilized RNA-Seq and genomic approaches to map small RNA landscapes and analyze mutant phenotypes in yeast and bacteria. She has contributed to understanding the biosynthesis of nucleosides like t6A and their impact on cellular processes. Dr. Bacusmo’s publications span microbiology, bioinformatics, and molecular biology, reflecting her interdisciplinary expertise. She is based in the Microbiology Building at the University of Florida, where she actively engages in teaching and research.
Dr. James R. Green is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Windsor's Faculty of Science. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo. His research focuses on synthetic organic chemistry using organometallic complexes, particularly employing cobalt dicarbonyl (Co2(CO)6) systems to develop novel organic reactions for synthesizing complex molecules. Key areas include medium-sized ring synthesis (e.g., seven- and eight-membered rings), γ-carbonyl cation chemistry, and application of these methods to natural product synthesis (e.g., allocolchicines, schizandrins). He has contributed to catalytic methodologies for ring construction and stability studies of reactive intermediates like benzodehydrotropylium ions. Notable achievements include the 2004 Alumni Award for Distinguished Contributions to University Teaching . His work spans diverse synthetic strategies, such as alkynedicobalt-mediated reactions, propargyl radicals, and trifluoroborate chemistry, with applications in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. Collaborative projects involve designing modified nucleosides and analyzing nonlinear chemical reaction dynamics. Ph.D. (Waterloo) Research Group: Focuses on organometallic catalysis, cycloaddition reactions, and natural product synthesis Publications: Over 20 peer-reviewed articles since 2011, including seminal work on the Nicholas Reaction His research integrates theoretical and synthetic challenges, advancing both fundamental organometallic chemistry and practical applications in drug discovery and materials science.
Nathan Luedtke is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry at McGill University's Faculty of Science. He holds a B.Sc. from the University of Washington (1997), Ph.D. from UC San Diego (2003), completed an NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship at Yale University (2003-2006), and served as Professor at the University of Zürich (2006-2019). His laboratory develops non-toxic fluorescent probes for studying nucleic acid structure and dynamics in live cells and animals. Research focuses on designing fluorophores and nucleosides through synthetic chemistry, with applications in regenerative medicine, stem cell biology, virology, and cancer diagnostics. Commercialized probes are distributed by Sigma Aldrich. Current teaching includes courses in Organic Chemistry and Advanced Nucleic Acid Chemistry. Honors include: NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship
Poul Nielsen is a Professor in the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), where he also serves as Associate Dean for Education in the Faculty of Science. He leads a research group at the Nucleic Acid Center, focusing on nucleic acid chemistry and medicinal chemistry. His academic affiliations are deeply rooted in SDU, where he has advanced from lecturer to full professor and academic leadership. Cand. Scient. in Chemistry and Biology, Odense University, 1994 Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Odense University, 1998 Adjunct, Chemical Institute, SDU, 1998–2001 Lecturer, Chemical Institute, SDU, 2001–2008 Professor, Institute for Physics and Chemistry, SDU, from July 2008 Associate Dean for Education, Faculty of Science, from January 2018 Poul Nielsen's research centers on nucleic acid chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and synthetic organic chemistry. His work spans the design and synthesis of modified nucleosides and oligonucleotides, with applications in drug development, diagnostics, and synthetic biology. Key areas include G-quadruplex stabilization, double-headed nucleotides, and antibiotic development using pleuromutilin scaffolds. His fingerprint highlights expertise in oligonucleotides, monomers, DNA, nucleosides, and nucleic acid bases. His recent publications (2023–2025) reflect a strong trend in medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences, particularly in antibiotic discovery (e.g., triaromatic pleuromutilins targeting MRSA) and drug delivery (e.g., bioavailability enhancement via co-formulation). He also contributes to chemical biology with fluorescent probes for membrane and DNA analysis. These works demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration, combining synthetic chemistry with biophysics and pharmacology. Poul Nielsen is actively involved in research funding and academic service. He participates in multiple projects funded by Novo Nordisk Fonden, Carlsbergfondet, and Hørslev Fonden, focusing on antibiotic development and nucleotide purification. He supervises postdoctoral researchers and students, engages in peer review, and serves on examination committees at other Danish universities. His public engagement includes media contributions on education and AI in academia. He leads the Poul Nielsen's Group at SDU’s Nucleic Acid Center, which conducts cutting-edge research in nucleotide chemistry. The group collaborates nationally and internationally, with ties to institutions like the University of Liverpool and The Scripps Research Institute. They are involved in both fundamental and applied research, aiming to translate chemical innovations into biomedical applications.
Prof. Ryszard Kierzek is a renowned chemist and academic at the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences in Poznań. He has held roles including Professor (since 2000), Associate Professor (1988–2000), and Research Fellow (1978–1988). His affiliations include leading the RNA Chemistry Laboratory and participating in international collaborations at institutions like the University of Rochester and University of Colorado. Education: Professorship: Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 2000 Habilitation (Doctor of Sciences): Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 1988 Ph.D. in Chemistry: A. Mickiewicz University, 1978 M.S. in Chemistry: A. Mickiewicz University, 1974 Research Interests: His work spans chemical synthesis of nucleic acids, RNA thermodynamics, nonenzymatic RNA cleavage, structural RNA biology, and development of isoenergetic microarrays. Key achievements include pioneering RNA duplex thermodynamic models, novel oligonucleotide synthesis methods, and applications of modified nucleotides in RNA research. Awards: Elected to Human Frontier Science Program Reviewers Committee (2004–2008) NIH Fogarty Awards (2002–2006 and 1998–2002) Group awards from the Polish Academy of Sciences (1977, 1987) Advising & Grants: Supervised 6 doctoral students and led projects on RNA microarrays and therapeutic oligonucleotides. Secured funding from Polish Ministry of Science and NIH. Labs/Teams: Director of the RNA Chemistry Laboratory, collaborating internationally on structural and functional genomic studies of RNA.
Suneet Agarwal, MD, PhD, is Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and Co-Program Leader for the Stem Cell Transplant Center at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. His work bridges clinical pediatrics, hematology-oncology, and translational research in bone marrow failure and telomere biology disorders. Medical School: Harvard Medical School, 2001 Internship: Boston Children's Hospital, 2002 Residency: Pediatrics, Boston Combined Residency Program (BCRP), 2003 Fellowship: Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Children's Hospital Boston, 2006 Dr. Agarwal’s research focuses on telomere biology disorders , mitochondrial DNA deletion disorders , and inherited bone marrow failure syndromes . He employs induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), gene editing, and molecular techniques to model diseases and develop therapies, including small-molecule PAPD5 inhibitors for telomere restoration. His lab investigates nucleotide metabolism, telomere length control, and heteroplasmy dynamics in mitochondrial disorders. His recent publications reveal a strong thematic focus on telomere regulation, stem cell biology, and hematopoietic transplantation. Key trends include the role of nucleotide salvage in telomere maintenance, molecular mechanisms of telomere disease, and clinical outcomes in stem cell transplant for myelodysplastic syndrome and telomere disorders. His work frequently appears in top-tier journals such as Nature Genetics , Cell Stem Cell , and Blood . Scientific contributions include: Discovery of PAPD5 inhibitors that restore telomerase activity in patient stem cells Mechanistic insights into TERC and TERT variants in telomere diseases Characterization of liver and vascular complications in dyskeratosis congenita Development of iPSC models for rare genetic blood disorders Dr. Agarwal leads a research lab at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's and is actively involved in mentoring and scientific innovation. He has not publicly listed specific advisees or awards, but his research program is supported by extensive publications and clinical leadership. He is not indicated to be part-time, retired, or deceased. His laboratory, the Suneet Agarwal Lab , is dedicated to understanding the molecular basis of genetic blood disorders and developing regenerative and pharmacological therapies. The lab utilizes cutting-edge technologies including single-cell multi-omics, genome editing, and stem cell reprogramming to uncover disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets.
Ralph E. Kleiner is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Princeton University, leading the Kleiner Lab. His research focuses on understanding RNA function and regulation through chemical biology approaches, specifically investigating RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), RNA modifications, and developing chemical tools for studying RNA synthesis, turnover, and structure. Key areas include post-transcriptional regulation, epitranscriptomics, and therapeutic targeting of RBP interactions. Education and affiliations are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, but his lab is located in the Frick Laboratory. Research highlights include developing tools like metabolic labeling and RNA editing platforms to study RNA-protein interactions, as well as characterizing RNA-modifying enzymes. Research Interests: The lab explores the role of RBPs in RNA lifecycle processes, the functional significance of RNA modifications (e.g., 5-formylcytosine, m6A), and the development of chemical methods for RNA imaging and structural probing. Recent advancements include SNIPER-seq for RNA structure analysis and methods for studying ribonucleoprotein granules. Awards and Honors: 2023: ICBS Young Chemical Biologist Award 2023: Kavli Fellow 2019: NSF CAREER Award 2019: Sloan Research Fellowship 2017: Sidney Kimmel Foundation Scholar Award Lab and Collaborations: The Kleiner Lab collaborates across disciplines, integrating chemistry and biology to address fundamental and translational questions. Recent projects include preprints on DUS enzymes and RNA structure probing, and mentoring graduate students such as Tyler Schwarz and Crystal (PhD graduates). The lab also emphasizes outreach and training through its website and educational initiatives.
Philip Bevilacqua is Professor of Chemistry at Pennsylvania State University, conducting research in RNA biochemistry and biophysics. His work focuses on RNA catalysis, folding mechanisms, and RNA-dependent regulation in viral responses and plant environmental stress adaptation. He is affiliated with Penn State's Health and the Environment research initiative and maintains his laboratory in the Chemistry Building at University Park. Bevilacqua's research centers on fundamental RNA mechanisms including ribozyme catalysis (particularly Hepatitis Delta Virus ribozymes), RNA structure-function relationships, and environmental RNA responses. His laboratory employs biochemical, biophysical, and computational approaches to investigate RNA folding landscapes, in vivo structure probing, and RNA's role in phase separation. Key interests include metal ion dependence in RNA folding, RNA thermometers in bacterial systems, and prebiotic RNA chemistry in origin-of-life scenarios. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2022-2025) reveals strong methodological innovation in RNA structure determination, with emphasis on single-cell techniques, genome-wide prediction tools, and in vivo probing methods. His work bridges fundamental RNA biochemistry with applications in virology, plant stress adaptation, and prebiotic chemistry, showing increasing focus on computational tools and phase separation phenomena. Scientific recognition includes: Edward W. Morley Medal (2025) Bevilacqua actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers through collaborative projects, as evidenced by his extensive publication record with junior co-authors. His research receives support from multiple funding sources including NSF and NIH grants, though specific awards aren't detailed in available texts. He leads an interdisciplinary research group within Penn State's Chemistry Department, collaborating with plant biologists (Sally Assmann), microbiologists (Philip Babitzke), and biophysicists (Christine Keating). His laboratory develops cutting-edge tools like VariantFoldRNA and CHiTA for RNA analysis, contributing significantly to RNA structural biology and functional genomics.
Sarath Chandra Dantu is a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at Brunel University London. He holds a PhD in Biology from the University of Göttingen (2012) and an M.Res in Bioinformatics from the University of Glasgow (2008). His research focuses on computational models for rational biomolecular design. Education: PhD in Biology (2012), University of Göttingen M.Res Bioinformatics (2008), University of Glasgow Dantu's work integrates molecular dynamics simulations (using GROMACS/AMBER) with residue-residue coevolution analysis to advance protein engineering and drug design. He leads the development of PyCoM , a Python library and database for coevolutionary analysis, and DyNoPy , a pipeline for dynamic coupling analysis. His research leverages high-performance computing facilities like ARCHER2 and MMM Young. Key collaborations include Dr. Dalia Chakrabarty (University of York), Dr. James Garnett (KCL), Professor Shozeb Haider (UCL), and international partners at IIT Bombay, UT Dallas, and CNRS Lille. Selected publications reveal trends in protein coevolution analysis, molecular dynamics profiling, and computational drug discovery. Notably, his 2024 work on PyCoM provides a framework for large-scale residue-residue coevolution studies, while his 2025 paper explores graph-based methods for identifying functionally critical residues. Key Software Contributions: PyCoM - Open-source coevolution matrix database DyNoPy - Dynamic coupling computational pipeline
Dr. Mairi Kilkenny is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Cambridge , affiliated with the School of Biological Sciences and the Department of Biochemistry . She holds an Official Fellow position at Queens' College and serves as the Director of Studies for Natural Sciences (Biological Sciences Parts IA and IB). With a BSc and MSc in Chemistry (University of Cape Town) and a PhD in Biochemistry (University of Cambridge) , Dr. Kilkenny combines her chemistry background with biochemical expertise in DNA replication research. Specializes in Structural Biology and Molecular Mechanisms of DNA replication and repair Recipient of the Pilkington Prize for Teaching Excellence (2025) and Cambridge University Press Technology Enabled Learning Prize for STEMM (2021) Utilizes Cryo-EM , X-ray crystallography , and biophysical techniques in her investigations Focuses on genome stability , G-quadruplex processing , and archaeal cell division mechanisms In her academic career, Dr. Kilkenny has mentored numerous Part II, Part III, MPhil, and PhD students . Her research has advanced understanding of primosome architecture , proteasome regulation , and viral interference with replication machinery (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 studies). She actively contributes to curriculum development and digital learning technologies in the School of Biological Sciences.
Kai-Oliver Brenske is a researcher at both the DWI—Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials and the Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry at RWTH Aachen University in Germany. His work focuses on the intersection of chemistry, molecular imaging, and cancer research, with particular expertise in DNA aptamers and hyperpolarization techniques. His research interests center around developing novel imaging techniques for cancer detection through the application of parahydrogen-induced polarization to DNA aptamers. Specifically, he has worked on the hyperpolarization of the cancer-targeting DNA aptamer AS1411, which represents a significant advancement in the field as the largest biomacromolecule (17.4 kDa) successfully hyperpolarized with parahydrogen to date. His work involves chemical modification of nucleosides, DNA oligomer synthesis, and adapting DNA polarity through PEGylation to enable hydrogenation reactions in organic solvents while maintaining DNA structural integrity. His recent publication demonstrates expertise in selective organic synthesis on highly polar bio-macromolecules, with implications for advancing hyperpolarized molecular imaging technology for disease detection. The research shows how DNA aptamers can potentially serve as hyperpolarized, targeting contrast agents to expand the scope of hyperpolarized MRI. Hyperpolarization of biomacromolecules via parahydrogen DNA aptamer engineering for cancer targeting Chemical modification of nucleosides for imaging applications PEGylation techniques for DNA polarity adjustment
Maria Isabel Guerreiro da Costa Ismael serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Beira Interior (UBI), where she maintains active research affiliations with FibEnTech (Fiber Materials and Environmental Technologies). Her academic profile reflects a sustained commitment to chemical research and education since at least 1995. Her research spans three primary domains: Organic Chemistry : Specializing in synthetic methodologies for bioactive compounds Carbohydrate Chemistry : Focusing on sugar derivatives, pseudo-nucleosides, and heterocyclic modifications Chemistry Didactics : Contributing to pedagogical frameworks for chemical education Analysis of her publication record (1995-2009) reveals consistent expertise in synthesizing functionalized carbohydrate derivatives with biological applications. Her work demonstrates particular strength in lactone chemistry, nucleoside analogues, and diterpene transformations, often employing advanced NMR techniques for structural validation. Recent publications show increasing emphasis on enzyme inhibitors and sustainable material science applications. Professor Ismael maintains active research collaboration through FibEnTech, contributing to environmental technology development while continuing her core work in organic synthesis. Her email contact (iismael@ubi.pt) and university extension (1453) remain current as of the 2025-08-31 update.
Prof. Dr. Thomas Carell is a faculty member at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich within the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy . His research focuses on the Chemical Biology of Nucleic Acids , spanning epigenetic modifications, DNA repair, RNA chemistry, prebiotic chemistry, and nucleic acid technology. Discovered novel DNA bases (5-hydroxymethyl-, 5-formyl-, and 5-carboxycytidine) in stem cells and neurons. Developed phosphoramidites for modified DNA/RNA synthesis, commercialized via Baseclick GmbH . Investigated deformylation and decarboxylation mechanisms in active DNA demethylation. Explored DNA repair processes through crystal structures of lesion-enzyme complexes. His work includes RNA modifications for cancer diagnostics, click chemistry applications in DNA nanotechnology, and prebiotic pathways for nucleoside formation. Publications appear in journals like Nature , Science , and Angewandte Chemie .
Dr Tony Bradshaw is a Lecturer in Biochemistry at the School of Biological and Medical Sciences , Oxford Brookes University. His work spans analytical chemistry methodologies, molecular biology, and toxicology, with a focus on pharmaceutical analysis, DNA damage mechanisms, and enzyme activity studies. Research Interests Education Publications Research Trends: Dr Bradshaw's publications demonstrate expertise in: Development of chromatographic methods for pharmaceutical analysis Mechanistic studies of DNA damage and repair Investigation of enzyme activity changes during chemical exposure Structural analysis of organic compounds Interferon production modulation
Hyunil Jo, PhD is a Specialist in the School of Pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) . His research focuses on integrin signaling, protein design, and therapeutic targeting of disease mechanisms such as hepatic fibrosis and neurodegenerative disorders. Education: BS (2001) and MS (2003) in Pharmacy, Seoul National University PhD (2008) in Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania Research Interests: Integrin biology dominates his work, with studies on α2β1 and α5β1 integrins in airway disease, renal fibrosis, and vascular smooth muscle function. He also pioneers de novo protein design for drug-binding specificity and uses biophysical probes (e.g., fluorescent amino acids, infrared spectroscopy) to study protein structure and dynamics. His virology work includes SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein analysis, while earlier projects explored malaria and amyloid fibril formation. Publications (2025-2010): His 35+ publications span integrin-mediated diseases, custom protein engineering, and structural studies of amyloid and viral proteins. Key journals include Science , Nature Chemical Biology , PNAS , and Cell . Awards: Department of Defense Predoctoral Training Award for Prostate Cancer (2005-2008) Grants: Principal Investigator, NIH/NIDDK R01DK137892 (2023-2028) - Targeting Acid Ceramidase for Hepatic Fibrogenesis Co-Principal Investigator, NIH R61HL163725 (2022-2024) - Mitigation of Smooth Muscle Force via Integrin Alpha2Beta1 Inhibitors Collaborations: Work with William DeGrado (UCSF) on protein engineering Collaborations with Dean Sheppard (UCSF) in integrin research Partnerships in vaccine development and virology projects
