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Justin Lemkul

Associate 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.

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Sam Farrokhpoor

M.S. Student

fsam99[at]vt.edu

B.S. Biochemistry, Virginia Tech (2021)

 

My research interests are in understanding the dynamics of nucleic acids, particularly RNA. In my free time I’m usually working out or spending time with friends.

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Bekah Fogarty

M.S. Student

rfogarty[at]vt.edu

B.S. Biochemistry, Medicine and Society Minor, Virginia Tech (2022)

 

My research project is investigating the dynamics of the VEGF and PIM1 DNA G-quadruplexes, and in my free time I love to cook and bake!

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Laura Gil Pineda

Ph.D. Candidate

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. 

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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.

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Ashley Goodberlet

Ph.D. Student

ashleyg22[at]vt.edu

B.S. Biochemistry, North Carolina State University (2022)

I am interested in discovering potential drug targets using computational modeling techniques to develop new therapeutics. In my free time, I enjoy doing puzzles, painting, and baking.

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Rakshitha Ravindra Hosahalli

Ph.D. Student

rakshitharh[at]vt.edu

B.E. Biotechnology, Sir M. Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology (2021)

My research interests are in G-quadruplex dynamics and associated drug design. In my free time, I enjoy cooking for my friends, painting, and working out.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Candace Miller

Undergraduate Student

mcandace[at]vt.edu

B.S. Biochemistry (class of 2024)

 

I am interested in amyloidogenic proteins, their unique properties, and how it translates to neurodegenerative disease. In my free time I like to backpack, rockclimb, and crochet.

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Esmat Mohammadi

Ph.D. Student
esmat[at]vt.edu

B.S. Chemical Engineering, University of Tehran (2013)
M.S. Chemical Engineering, University of Guilan (2016)

 

My research project is to study the intricate dynamics of carbohydrates. In my free time, I take pleasure in activities such as cooking, watching movies, and immersing myself in the world of music.

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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. 

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Siena Morlatt

Undergraduate Student

siena[at]vt.edu

B.S. Biochemistry (class of 2024)

My research project involves targeting G-quadruplexes with small molecules using the SILCS approach. I used to work at a farm where I learned to milk a cow! 

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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.

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