Thomas Brunold

Thomas Brunold is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, focusing on the geometric and electronic properties of metal centers in proteins and cofactors. His work integrates spectroscopic techniques (electronic absorption, circular dichroism, magnetic circular dichroism, resonance Raman, electron paramagnetic resonance) with density functional theory (DFT) and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations to validate bonding descriptions and explore catalytic intermediates.

• Bio-organometallic cofactors (adenosylcobalamin, methylcobalamin, NiF430)
• Metal-dependent superoxide dismutases (Ni-, Fe-, Mn-SODs)
• Polynuclear NiFeS enzymes (ACS, CODH)

His research spans vitamin B12 chemistry, metalloenzyme specificity, and redox-active clusters, with a focus on resolving substrate-bound intermediates and mechanistic debates in catalytic cycles. Recent publications emphasize ligand dynamics, second-sphere residue effects, and metal-cofactor interactions.

Scientific awards include the Taylor Teaching Award (2024), Kellett Mid-Career Award (2020), and NSF-CAREER Award (2003). He mentors students in the Brunold Lab, including Ryan Hall, Laura Elmendorf, and Maddy Rodemeier (co-advised with Andrew Buller), with multiple Outstanding TA Awards to lab members.