Todd K. Hyster

Todd K. Hyster is a Professor of Chemistry at Princeton University, based in the Frick Chemistry Laboratory. His research focuses on developing biocatalytic strategies to enable enzymes to catalyze reactions unknown in nature, particularly leveraging photoexcitation to drive radical chemistry. His work integrates organic synthesis, chemical biology, and protein engineering to address challenges in sustainable chemical synthesis.

• Research Interests: Enzyme engineering for radical reactions, light-driven biocatalysis, and non-natural C–C and C–N bond formation.
• Labs/Teams: Leads the Hyster Lab, which develops biohybrid catalysts and explores emergent mechanisms in photoenzymes.

Recent publications highlight advancements in photoenzymatic hydroarylation, enantioselective alkylations, and radical cyclizations using engineered flavin-dependent reductases. Key innovations include synergistic catalyst systems and the use of excited-state electron transfer mechanisms.

• Awards: 2023 National Fresenius Award, 2022 Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award, and multiple early-career recognitions.

His research emphasizes the integration of synthetic chemistry and biology to create sustainable, enantioselective methods for drug and agrochemical synthesis.