Biochemistry, Bioorganic Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Discover the chemistry of life
Explore the chemical foundations of life through rigorous research in biochemistry and chemical biology. As a student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty who are advancing our understanding of biological systems at the molecular level, through the synthesis of complex molecules, the study of enzymatic mechanisms, and the development of tools for biomedical discovery.
Research focus areas and faculty expertise
Dr. Anton Jensen
Redox cofactors & enzyme mechanisms
In Dr. Jensen’s lab, you’ll study enzymatic reaction mechanisms using model compounds, particularly those involving redox cofactors derived from vitamins B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin), such as NADH/NADPH, FAD, and FMN. You’ll gain hands-on experience in organic synthesis, chromatographic separation, spectroscopic characterization, and enzyme kinetics, preparing you for careers or advanced study in biochemistry and medicinal chemistry.
Dr. Stephen Juris
Host-pathogen interactions & immune evasion
Dr. Juris’s research investigates how bacterial toxins disrupt host immune functions by targeting the actin cytoskeleton. You’ll explore how toxins such as MARTX from Vibrio cholerae translocate across cellular membranes and interfere with host signaling via proteolysis, phosphorylation, and other post-translational modifications. The lab combines techniques from biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and biophysics to answer fundamental questions in host-pathogen interactions and immune evasion.
Dr. Choon Lee
Medicinal chemistry & anti-cancer agents
Dr. Lee’s research focuses on the synthesis and biological evaluation of anti-cancer agents and antioxidant dendrimers. As a student in this lab, you’ll engage in projects that intersect medicinal chemistry, synthetic chemistry, and biomedical research, contributing to the development of novel therapeutic compounds.
Dr. Ben Swarts
Chemical tools for infectious disease research
Dr. Swarts’s lab combines organic chemistry, microbiology, and biochemistry to develop chemical biology tools targeting mycobacteria, including the organism responsible for tuberculosis. You’ll help design and apply carbohydrate-based molecular probes to study the mycomembrane—an essential outer structure in mycobacteria, with the ultimate goal of advancing drug and diagnostic development for infectious disease.
Join the next generation of molecular innovators
Whether you're passionate about understanding the chemistry of life, developing new therapies, or tackling global health challenges, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers you the tools, mentorship, and research opportunities to turn curiosity into impact. Here, you'll work alongside faculty who are pushing the boundaries of discovery—preparing you for graduate study, medical school, or a dynamic career in the biomedical sciences. Start your journey in a department where your ideas matter and your future begins in the lab.
