Alec H. Follmer

Alec H. Follmer is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Davis, appointed in 2024. His research focuses on metalloenzymology, combining structural biology, spectroscopy, biophysics, and chemical biology to study non-equilibrium dynamics in metal-containing enzymes. He leads the Follmer Lab, which develops innovative approaches for high-resolution characterization of catalytic intermediates to pioneer selective catalysis and structure-based drug discovery.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. from the University of California Irvine (2014-2019)
• B.Sc. from the University of the Pacific (2011-2014)

Dr. Follmer's research spans bioinorganic chemistry and enzyme catalysis, investigating how protein motions couple with metallocofactor electronic structures to drive enzymatic mechanisms. His lab employs XFEL crystallography, advanced spectroscopies, and biophysical methods to capture transient catalytic states, with implications for sustainable chemistry and pharmacological applications.

His recent publications (2018-2024) reveal consistent focus on cytochrome P450 systems, metallocofactor dynamics, and catalytic mechanisms. Key trends include substrate binding effects, redox partner interactions, and conformational changes during catalysis, utilizing X-ray scattering, crystallography, and electron spin resonance to probe enzyme dynamics at atomic resolution.

His scientific honors include:

• Visiting Physicist at Stanford / SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (2025)
• Appointed to LCLS User Executive Committee, SLAC (2024)
• National Science Foundation 2026 Idea Machine Finalist – Top 33 (2020)
• DOE Basic Energy Sciences Early Career Network Representative (2020–2021)

No information on students or research grants is provided in the source text.

The Follmer Lab operates at the Chemistry building (3110 Chemistry) at UC Davis, working at the interface of bioinorganic chemistry, (bio)photocatalysis, and pharmacology to develop strategies for medical and sustainable chemistry advancements.