Nicholas Borotto

Nicholas Borotto is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), within the College of Science. His research focuses on advancing mass spectrometry techniques for analyzing biomolecules, particularly proteins, by integrating methods like chemical derivatization, laser irradiation, ion mobility, and radical chemistry. His lab develops tools to study protein three-dimensional structures, post-translational modifications, and the acidic proteome.

Education

• Postdoctoral Scholar (2016-2019), University of Michigan
• Ph.D., Chemistry (2016), University of Massachusetts
• B.S., Biochemistry (2007), Northeastern University

Research Interests

Borotto’s work bridges chemistry and biology, addressing both biochemical questions and methodological advancements in mass spectrometry. Current projects include:
1. Equipping a carbon monoxide laser for IRMPD studies in unconventional pressure regimes.
2. Developing photocaged probes for in vivo protein structure analysis.
3. Applying free-radical initiated peptide sequencing (FRIPS) to complex anion mixtures.

Publications

His recent work emphasizes trapped-ion mobility spectrometry, protein footprinting, and radical-driven peptide sequencing. Publications highlight innovations in protein conformation analysis, ion mobility separations, and gas-phase chemistry.

Labs & Teams

The Borotto Lab, part of UNR’s Department of Chemistry, focuses on bioanalytical mass spectrometry. The lab combines instrumentation development with biochemical applications, offering students training in analytical chemistry, proteomics, and biophysical methods.