Sergei Vakulenko

Sergei Vakulenko is a Research Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, where he has been a faculty member since 2003. His research is based in McCourtney Hall, focusing on biochemical mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria.

He earned his M.D. from St. Petersburg I. I. Mechnikov State Medical Academy (1976), followed by a Ph.D. in Medicine (1981) and a D.Sc. in Biology (1991) from the National Research Center of Antibiotics in Moscow, Russia.

Dr. Vakulenko's research centers on the molecular mechanisms of bacterial resistance to β-lactam and aminoglycoside antibiotics. His lab investigates the structure, function, and evolution of resistance enzymes such as β-lactamases and aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes. Using directed evolution and structural analysis, his team studies how these enzymes adapt to inactivate antibiotics, particularly carbapenems—last-resort drugs. This work aims to predict resistance trends and guide the development of new inhibitors and therapeutic strategies.

The recent publications highlight a strong focus on carbapenemase inhibition, enzyme kinetics, and the design of novel carbapenem analogs that resist degradation or act as potent inhibitors. The studies involve structural characterization, mechanistic enzymology, and microbiological assays, primarily targeting multidrug-resistant pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella spp.

While no specific scientific awards are listed in the provided text, his consistent publication record in high-impact journals such as ACS Infectious Diseases and mBio reflects significant contributions to the field.

Dr. Vakulenko mentors several graduate researchers, many of whom appear as co-authors on recent publications, indicating an active advisory role. Although specific grants are not mentioned, his ongoing research output suggests sustained funding. His laboratory operates at the interface of biochemistry, microbiology, and drug discovery, contributing critical insights into the global challenge of antibiotic resistance.

The Vakulenko lab functions as a key research unit within the Department of Biological Sciences, employing interdisciplinary approaches to tackle antibiotic resistance. The team combines biochemical assays, structural biology, and molecular evolution to dissect resistance mechanisms and explore next-generation antimicrobial strategies.