

Justin Lemkul
Assistant Professor of Biochemistry
jalemkul[at]vt.edu
Postdoc, University of Maryland, Baltimore (2013-2017)
Ph.D. Biochemistry, Virginia Tech (2012)
B.S. Biochemistry In Honors, Virginia Tech (2007)
My research interests are in understanding the forces governing conformational change in proteins and nucleic acids and employing computer-aided drug design strategies against highly dynamic systems. I developed the Drude-2017 nucleic acid polarizable force field during my postdoc.
Marcelo Polêto
Postdoctoral Associate
mdpoleto[at]vt.edu
Postdoc, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (2019-2020)
D.Sc. Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (2019)
M.S. Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (2016)
B.S. Biochemistry, Federal University of Viçosa (2015)
My research interests are focused in understanding the driving forces of conformational dynamics in different biomolecular systems and investigating possible druggable targets through computational techniques.
Laura Gil Pineda
Ph.D. Student
lgilpineda[at]vt.edu
B.S. Chemistry with Honors, focus on Biochemistry, Universidad Icesi (2019)
B.S. Pharmaceutical Chemistry with Honors, Universidad Icesi (2019)
My research interests lie in using molecular mechanics to study systems of interest in the field of medicine such as IDPs and amyloid proteins. In my free time, I like to listen to music, watch movies, read and, more recently, crochet.
Kait Malewicz
Ph.D. Candidate
kaitlynbm[at]vt.edu
B.S. Biology, Stony Brook University (2018)
My research lies at the intersection of biochemistry and evolutionary biology and uses toxin resistance as a system to study protein evolution. I’m using MD to uncover the mechanism of toxin resistance in voltage-gated sodium channels. My hobbies include bird watching, making music with my friends, board games, gardening, road tripping, and snapping candid moments of my loved ones on film.
Kait is co-advised by Dr. Joel McGlothlin in the Department of Biological Sciences.
Haley Michel
Ph.D. Candidate
hmichel[at]vt.edu
B.S. Biochemistry, The University of Akron (2020)
My research aims to better understand G-quadruplex folding and its impact on biological processes and disease towards the development of novel therapeutics. Outside of the lab, I enjoy cooking, crafting, weightlifting, and spending time outside exploring the NRV.
Julia Montgomery
Ph.D. Candidate and NSF GRFP Fellow
juliamontgomery[at]vt.edu
B.S. Chemistry, St. Joseph's College (2019)
My research project aims to better understand the energetics of small molecules partitioning membranes using the CHARMM and Drude force fields for potential implications in drug design. Outside of the lab, I spend my time exploring local trails, playing guitar, and cooking up new recipes.
Patrick Gilles
Undergraduate Student
pgilles[at]vt.edu
B.S. Biochemistry, Computer Science (class of 2025)
I’m interested in gaining a deeper view into how biomolecules interact, and in optimizing the process of conducting in-silico research. In my free time, I enjoy birdwatching, climbing, and solving Rubik’s cubes.
Zachary Hoyer
Undergraduate Student
zackh20[at]vt.edu
B.S. Clinical Neuroscience, Biochemistry (class of 2024)
My interests are in understanding biomolecular conformational change, particularly in regards to small molecule interactions. After playing baseball for about 6 years, I still can't throw a ball straight.
Igor Soares Canuto
Undergraduate Student
igors21[at]vt.edu
B.S. Biochemistry, Systems Biology (class of 2026)
I'm interested in developing new skills in computational biology that can help analyze and predict the structures of biomolecules and their interactions, which may lead to the development of diseases. When I'm not hitting the books, you can find me at the gym working out or staying up to date on what's going on around the world.