Kara L. Bren

Kara L. Bren is the Richard S. Eisenberg Professor and Chair of Chemistry at the University of Rochester. Her research integrates bioinorganic chemistry and biophysics to engineer functional metalloproteins. A major focus involves developing artificial hydrogenases—protein-based catalysts that produce hydrogen fuel from water using solar energy.

Research Focus: Protein-based energy conversion systems; electron transfer mechanisms in cytochrome c proteins; rational design of metalloenzyme mimics. Recent breakthroughs include cobalt-miniprotein catalysts for efficient hydrogen evolution.