معرفی
Dr. Smita Mohanty is a Professor of Chemistry at Oklahoma State University, with an adjunct appointment in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Delhi (1988) and has been at OSU since 2017. Her research focuses on biochemical mechanisms, protein structure-function relationships, and NMR spectroscopy, particularly in the context of glycosylation pathways, pheromone-binding proteins, and microbial pathogenesis.
- Education: PhD in Chemistry, University of Delhi, India (1988)
Research Interests: Dr. Mohanty’s work spans structural biology, enzymology, and biophysical chemistry. Key areas include: (1) Mechanisms of N-linked glycosylation using the yeast oligosaccharyltransferase (OST) complex, (2) Structural biology of pheromone-binding proteins in agricultural pests (e.g., Ostrinia species), linking protein dynamics to olfactory signaling, and (3) Calcium-binding proteins in bacterial virulence (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Her studies employ advanced techniques like solid-state NMR, molecular dynamics simulations, and small-angle X-ray scattering.
Recent Trends in Publications: Recent articles highlight advancements in understanding OST subunit interactions via mutagenesis and NMR, pheromone-binding protein structural transitions at different pH levels, and calcium-dependent protein regulation in pathogens. Her work bridges fundamental biochemistry with applied areas like pest control and infectious disease.
- Grants/Awards: Recipient of PECASE (2000) and NSF POWRE Award (2000). Active grants include studies on chemoreception mechanisms, NMR infrastructure development, and REU programs in interdisciplinary chemistry.
- Advising/Service: Mentors doctoral students like Sanjana Gautam and Pratikshya. Served as Chair of the American Chemical Society OK Section (2017). Editor for multiple journals including Biochemistry & Physiology: Open Access.
Labs/Teams: Leads a research group focused on biochemical and structural studies, with collaborations in agricultural science and microbiology. Her lab utilizes state-of-the-art NMR facilities, including an 800 MHz spectrometer acquired through NSF funding.
