Maris Cinelli

Maris Cinelli is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Northern Michigan University. A native of Marquette, MI, she earned her B.S. in Biology/Physiology with a Chemistry minor at NMU (2006), followed by a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from Purdue University (2011) under Prof. Mark Cushman. After postdoctoral work at Northwestern University (NIH Ruth S. Kirchstein Fellowship with Prof. R.B. Silverman) and Michigan State University (Biochemistry/Molecular Biology), she returned to NMU to advance her research at the intersection of medicinal and analytical chemistry.

• Education:
  • B.S. Biology/Physiology, Chemistry minor (NMU, 2006)
  • Ph.D. Medicinal Chemistry (Purdue, 2011)

Her research employs mass spectrometry to profile plant metabolites and discover natural products with drug development potential, particularly focusing on alkaloids. Recent publications highlight her work on neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, topoisomerase poisons, and bioactive fatty acid epoxides.

Scientific contributions include the NIH postdoctoral fellowship and key insights into isoform-specific enzyme inhibition. She actively mentors students and integrates her expertise in the Medicinal Plant Chemistry program, emphasizing hands-on research and science education.