M.G. Finn

M.G. Finn serves as a Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, based in the Molecular Science and Engineering Building (MoSE 2201B), where he leads the Finn Research Group with active contact details including email mgfinn@gatech.edu and phone (404) 385-5488.

His academic foundation includes a B.Sc. from the California Institute of Technology (1980) and Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1986).

Professor Finn's research integrates Chemical Biology, Organic Chemistry, and Immunology through three interconnected thrusts:

• Virus-like particle engineering for vaccine development, cell targeting, and catalysis using bioconjugation and protein evolution
• Click chemistry and reversible reaction development for polymer synthesis and therapeutic delivery systems
• Combinatorial synthesis of biologically active compounds targeting antiviral applications and inflammatory diseases

Analysis of his 2025 publications reveals dominant trends in nanoparticle drug delivery (particularly uricase and retinoic acid systems), advanced membrane separations for hydrocarbons, and immunology-focused nanosensors for tumor immunity detection. His Nobel Lecture on click chemistry underscores foundational contributions to the field.

Major recognitions include:

• ACS Cope Scholar Award (2017)
• Children's Research Scholar, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (2015)
• Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Research Award (2012)
• Scripps Outstanding Mentor Award (2011)
• Packard Interdisciplinary Science Award (2002-2006)

As an active mentor, Professor Finn trains molecular scientists through his research group, securing substantial funding for interdisciplinary projects spanning chemistry, biology, and engineering. His work on virus-like particles and click chemistry enables collaborations with medical institutions for therapeutic translation.

The Finn Research Group operates specialized laboratories in MoSE for synthetic chemistry, bioconjugation, and materials characterization, focusing on translating chemical tools into biomedical solutions through industry and clinical partnerships.