I am interested in plant specialized metabolism and the role of specialized metabolites in plant biology. My current research project focuses on the biosynthesis and function of medicinal alkaloids. Outside of the lab, I enjoy running, cooking, and trying out new food.

I am motivated to understand the mechanisms that underlie protein function, specifically substrate specificity and enzyme evolution. My current research explores the world of plant secondary metabolism (1) to expand a structural and mechanistic understanding of neofunctionalized enzymes and (2) to shed light in biosynthetic pathways of allelochemicals and other ecologically important compounds. Outside lab, I love going on long hikes with my dog, discovering cool art and music, and exploring new parts of Boston with friends.

My research focuses on elucidating the chemistry of various alkaloid scaffolding in the biosynthetic pathway of medicinally valuable plant natural products. I am also interested in studying how plant enzymes acquire new function and developing new tools to engineer better biocatalysts. If I am not in lab, I am playing music, playing pick-up basketball, or running around the Charles River!

I am interested in the production, evolution, and functions of plant secondary metabolites. The metabolites of most interest to me are those that are functional outside of the plant and could be useful in other contexts like medicine or agriculture. Within the lab I am particularly interested in the lycopodium alkaloids that are produced by club mosses. Outside of lab, I like playing video games, listening to audiobooks, and playing piano.

I am originally from Detroit, Michigan, and I have a background in Cellular Biology from the University of Michigan. I’m very interested in exploring enzyme relationships across life and understanding their biochemistry. Previous discoveries in plant enzyme function are informing my work in animal neural systems, where I am working to elucidate non-canonical functions from previously-thought-to-be acatalytic enzymes. Outside of the lab, I take care of an extensive garden of houseplants and a calico cat named Momo. I also like to play videogames, collect tattoos, and write and record music.

I am interested in insect biosynthesis and how these secondary metabolites influence interspecies interactions. My primary research (co-advised by Prof. Naomi Pierce, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology) focuses on biosynthesis in Lycaenidae butterflies and how these compounds mediate their mutualistic interactions with ants. Outside of the lab, I enjoy video games, singing, and ice-cream making.

I enjoy exploring the evolution of specialized metabolic pathways in plants and microbes. In my PhD research, I aim to uncover how a particular species of flowering plant constructs the polycyclic carbon scaffold of a neuroactive alkaloid. When I’m not in the lab, I spend my time playing volleyball, competing in video games, and watching comic book-inspired shows and movies.

I am interested in how plants synthesize and use small molecules, with an eye towards environmental and sustainability applications. Currently, I am working on determining how plants make steroidal defense molecules. Outside of the lab, I love to cook and eat food, bike around Boston, or play board games with my friends.

I am an undergraduate at the college studying Molecular & Cellular Biology and Government. My interests are mainly in understanding and synthesizing protein functions as well as the intersection of ethical policy and biotechnological advancements. I am originally from Washington State and enjoy hiking, drawing, reading 18th and 19th century romance novels and watching reality TV with friends.

Description: I am an undergraduate student at the college studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and Global Health and Health Policy. My interests lie in the use of natural products for medical purposes as well as the synthesis and function of medicinally valuable compounds in plants. I am originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, and I enjoy playing golf, wheel-throwing, and watching Korean shows and dramas. 

I’m an undergraduate from Cambridge, Massachusetts studying Integrative Biology. My main interest is understanding interactions between neofunctionalized enzymes, and the role of these enzyme interactions in plant biosynthetic pathways. Outside of the lab, I love to play ice hockey, hike, and play guitar.

I am an undergraduate from Winchester, Massachusetts studying Chemistry and Music. I'm interested in the biosynthesis and function of natural compounds and their applications to medicine. In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, playing jazz piano, and going for bike rides.

Sara Nelson (research assistant)

Andrea Loya Castillo (research assistant) - OEB graduate student in the group Professor Benjamin de Bivort (Harvard University)