Nicholas Hud

Nicholas Hud, a Regents' Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, is a leading researcher in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry. His work explores the chemical and physical principles underlying nucleic acid assembly, with implications for understanding life's origin, evolution, and applications in biotechnology.

• B.S., Loyola Marymount University (1986)
• Ph.D., University of California, Davis (1992)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Lawrence Livermore National Lab (1992–1995)
• NIH Postdoctoral Fellow, UCLA (1995–1999)

His research focuses on the origin of nucleic acids, nonenzymatic replication, and prebiotic chemical evolution. Key areas include:

• Chemical pathways for RNA/DNA formation
• Interactions of cations/solvents with nucleic acids
• Supramolecular assembly mechanisms
• Environmental factors in molecular evolution

Recent publications highlight his exploration of viscous solvents, noncanonical nucleobases, and depsipeptide systems that model early life chemistry. These studies emphasize the role of physical forces (e.g., hydration cycles, redox switching) in driving molecular self-organization and replication.

Notable awards include:

• Best Georgia Tech Faculty Research Paper (2001)
• Research Corporation Innovation Award (2000)

His lab investigates molecular mutualism, condensation processes, and the co-evolution of proto-polymers, contributing to both foundational knowledge and practical applications in diagnostics (e.g., SalivaSTAT for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance).