Shaun W. Lee

Shaun W. Lee is the Monahan Family Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, where he conducts research on molecular microbiology and biosynthesis of peptide therapeutics. His work bridges chemical and microbiological approaches to study bacteriocins and their applications in treating infectious diseases.

• Ph.D., Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
• B.A., University of California, Berkeley, CA
• Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California, San Diego, CA

Dr. Lee's research focuses on bacteriocins—ribosomally synthesized peptides with antimicrobial, anti-viral, and signaling functions. His lab investigates how these peptides influence microbial dynamics and host pathogenesis, with emphasis on discovering novel therapeutics and understanding biosynthesis mechanisms in both commensal and pathogenic bacteria. His work spans antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and host immunity, using multidisciplinary tools from chemistry, molecular biology, and bioinformatics.

His recent publications highlight a strong trend in antimicrobial peptide engineering, mechanistic studies of bacterial toxins, and innovative therapeutic design. Themes include synthetic peptide optimization, machine learning applications in drug discovery, and the role of bacteriocins in polymicrobial environments. Several of his papers have been featured on journal covers, reflecting significant scientific impact.

Dr. Lee has not been explicitly mentioned to have received formal scientific awards in the provided text.

He advises graduate students and leads an active research laboratory at the Galvin Life Science Center. His research is supported by multidisciplinary collaborations, particularly with scientists studying host-pathogen interactions and novel antibiotic development. While specific grants are not listed, his work involves chemical, molecular, and biophysical methodologies in antimicrobial discovery.

His laboratory focuses on the discovery and design of bacteriocin-based therapeutics, employing structural identification, screening, and biosynthesis studies. The team explores both pathogenic and commensal microorganisms to uncover new peptide candidates and their roles in disease and immunity.