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.
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.
Patrick Gilles
Accelerated BS/MS 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.
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.
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.
Esmat Mohammadi
Ph.D. Candidate
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.
Marcelo Polêto
Research 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.