Ajay Lajmi

Dr. Ajay Lajmi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of West Florida, affiliated with the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering. His research integrates biochemical technology and materials chemistry to develop functional synthetic systems. He teaches core chemistry courses including General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and advanced laboratory techniques.

Research Interests: Dr. Lajmi's work focuses on the synthesis of small molecules for studying enzyme mechanisms, particularly hydrolases and redox enzymes. His group investigates non-covalent interactions, molecular recognition through shape-complementarity, and the role of metal ions in protein folding—research with implications for drug development and biotechnology. A strong emphasis is placed on mentoring students for independent research careers.

The recent publications highlight expertise in structural chemistry and protein behavior on synthetic surfaces, reflecting interdisciplinary trends in bioanalytical and materials chemistry. These studies contribute to predictive models for molecular function and separation science.

Scientific Contributions:

• Holds multiple U.S. patents on rapid testing for respiratory viral pathogens (2022–2023).
• Developed industrial-scale purification methods for biologics including viral vectors and monoclonal antibodies.
• Served as an industry mentor in an NSF-IUCRC program guiding graduate research.

Advising and Grants: Actively mentors undergraduate researchers and honors thesis students. His industrial R&D background and ongoing academic research suggest strong potential for extramural funding, though specific grants are not detailed. His lab emphasizes student training at the interface of biochemistry and materials science.

Laboratory & Research Group: The research group operates at UWF’s Department of Chemistry, focusing on synthetic and analytical approaches to biochemical problems. Facilities support organic synthesis, protein expression, chromatographic purification, MALDI-MS, and DNA-binding assays. The lab fosters collaborative, interdisciplinary training for future scientists.