Sailaja Arungundram

Sailaja Arungundram, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Saint Martin’s University, located in Lacey, WA. She is affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences and the Chemistry Department. Her research focuses on biochemistry, enzymology, and sustainable materials synthesis, with a strong emphasis on undergraduate research and innovative pedagogy.

Dr. Arungundram holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry and has conducted research in glycobiology and drug discovery. Her work includes studies on malate dehydrogenase enzymes in malaria pathogens and the development of green polycarbonate materials. She is a leader in promoting active learning strategies in STEM education through initiatives like the PALM Network Fellowship and CURE (Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience) programs.

Her research interests span protein-centric biochemistry, enzyme structure-function relationships, and the application of chemical synthesis to address biomedical challenges. She has co-developed a patented method for heparan sulfate synthesis (US Patent 20120142560) and contributed to modular glycan synthesis techniques.

Dr. Arungundram is committed to advancing science education through embedded library instruction and curriculum reforms aligned with ASBMB core concepts. Her presentations at national ACS meetings and education conferences highlight her dual focus on research and pedagogy.

• Awards: 2009 Graduate Student Poster Award at the ACS National Meeting
• Key Projects: Malate Dehydrogenase CURE Community (MCC), Green Polycarbonate Synthesis
• Labs/Teams: Collaborations in glycobiology and undergraduate research networks