My research focuses on bridging the gap between biological (protein) and inorganic catalysts. Metalloproteins are important molecules because they are involved in many biological processes that are crucial to sustaining life. For example, hemoglobin, the principal oxygen-carrier molecule in humans contains an Fe2+ active site that helps with oxygen binding (although it does not directly bind to oxygen). The purpose of my project is to analyze metalloproteins and their catalytic properties as well as make meaningful comparisons between them and inorganic catalysts.

As a double major in Chemical-Biological Engineering and Math with Computer Science, I aspire to leverage my computational skills to solve chemical and biological problems. This SuperUROP will allow me to gain interdisciplinary research experience, which will be integral to my future career as a physician scientist. I am excited to apply my math and programming abilities and explore the interface of math, biology, and chemical engineering.