Proteins are essential elements of life, and proteins that catalyze chemical reactions (enzymes) enable critical cellular processes. Unlike many reactions in synthetic chemistry, enzymes can catalyze complex transformations under ambient conditions. Thus, the study and engineering of proteins and enzymes can allow us to better understand, repurpose, and re-engineer enzymes for target functions in green chemistry, bioremediation, therapeutics, and much more.

Protein and enzyme engineering can be achieved by changing the amino acid sequence of proteins and enzymes. Our laboratory is focused on fundamental research towards understanding enzyme function and protein engineering. Towards these goals, we take a highly interdisciplinary approach to protein engineering, drawing on methodologies from chemistry, biology, and informatics.