معرفی
Yulia Gerasimova serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Central Florida's College of Sciences. Her research program centers on functional engineered DNA molecules, specifically deoxyribozymes and aptamers, for applications in bioanalysis and point-of-care diagnostics.
Her laboratory specializes in the selection, characterization, and optimization of catalytic DNA (deoxyribozymes) and DNA-based receptors (aptamers). These engineered molecules enable "green" catalysis, RNA-cleaving anti-cancer therapeutics, and detection systems for ions, biomolecules, and pathogens. The group designs multicomponent DNA probes that self-assemble upon target recognition, providing cost-efficient, highly selective nucleic acid detection with versatile signal outputs including colorimetric changes.
Dr. Gerasimova's publication record demonstrates consistent innovation in DNA-based biosensors, with recent work focusing on pathogen detection (particularly drug-resistant tuberculosis), molecular computing, and SNP analysis. Her research bridges fundamental nucleic acid engineering with practical diagnostic applications.
She has advised undergraduate researchers including Michael Greenberg, recipient of UCF's January Distinguished Undergraduate Research Award for work on deoxyribozymes. Dr. Gerasimova also contributes to significant collaborative efforts such as UCF's $1.3 million state-funded Zika virus research initiative.
Her laboratory maintains active development of DNA-based diagnostic platforms for bacterial and viral pathogens, emphasizing field-deployable solutions for resource-limited settings through point-of-care nucleic acid detection systems.
