Thomas K. Harris

Thomas K. Harris is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Department of Chemistry at the University of Miami. He serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Academic Advisor for BMB Undergraduate Studies, and Biochemistry Discipline Co-Director for Medical Education, where he develops foundational biochemistry initiatives for medical training.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Biochemistry, University of Mississippi Medical Center (1994)
• BA in Chemistry, University of Mississippi (1983)
• Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (2000)
• Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Biochemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health (1996)

Dr. Harris's research integrates protein engineering, NMR spectroscopy, and kinetic/thermodynamic analyses to investigate enzyme structures and mechanisms in cell signaling and metabolic regulation. His work targets therapeutic development for cancer, inflammation, and metabolic disorders like diabetes through structural and mechanistic enzymology insights.

His publication record (2009-2021) reveals cross-disciplinary impact across neuroscience, regenerative medicine, and molecular biology, with dominant themes in peripheral nerve regeneration (Schwann cell biology, nanoparticle delivery), kinase regulation in cell signaling pathways, and structural characterization of DNA repair and mitochondrial proteins.

Key recognition includes:

• Albert Lehninger Award, Johns Hopkins University for outstanding postdoctoral research in basic medical sciences

As consultant mentor for the BMB Executive PhD Program, he guides dissertation research while leading undergraduate curriculum development. His dual appointments bridge chemistry and medical biochemistry education, with grant activity inferred from therapeutic development research in metabolic disease pathways.

Though specific lab infrastructure isn't detailed, his focus on protein engineering and NMR spectroscopy indicates an active research environment centered on biophysical enzyme characterization for disease mechanism elucidation.