Justin Lemkul
jalemkul[at]vt.edu
Assistant Professor of Biochemistry
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.
Darcy Davidson
ddav13[at]vt.edu
Ph.D. Candidate
B.S. Biochemistry, Christopher Newport University (2017)
My research applies CHARMM and Drude force fields to better understand the folding of amyloid proteins. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends/family and spending time outside hiking or skiing.
Julia Montgomery
juliamontgomery[at]vt.edu
Ph.D. Student
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.
Alexa Salsbury
asalsbur[at]vt.edu
Ph.D. Candidate
B.S. Biochemistry with Honors, Eastern Michigan University (2016)
My research project applies the CHARMM and Drude force fields to model G-quadruplexes and better understand folding pathways, conformational ensembles, and targeting GQs for drug design. When I'm away from the computer, I am probably cuddling my dogs or pretending to be athletic by hiking, biking, playing volleyball or basketball. I also love following college and professional sports. GO HOKIES!
Alex Corrigan
alex7[at]vt.edu
M.S. Student
B.S. Biochemistry, Virginia Tech (2019)
My research project applies the CHARMM and Drude force fields to model a p53 fragment and its binding partner MDM2, and explores the specific changes that allow for folding and binding of the fragment. In my free time I enjoy caving and hiking, reading, and working on various crochet or chainmaille projects.
Brian Ratnasinghe
brianrat[at]vt.edu
M.S. Student
B.S. Biochemistry, Virginia Tech (2019)
My research project involves using different force fields to simulate protein:G-quadruplex complexes. When I'm not doing science, I am either eating Cheez-Its, sleeping, or playing Super Smash Bros.
Tanner Dean
tanner99[at]vt.edu
Undergraduate Researcher
Biochemistry major, Class of 2021
I study the effects of polarization on the c-myc G-quadruplex with the Drude force field and am interested in computer-aided drug design. When I'm not in lab or class, I am still on the computer, coding, playing video games, or studying!
Josh Kraus
kjosh16[at]vt.edu
Undergraduate Researcher
Biochemistry major, Class of 2020
My research involves the amyloid β-peptide, specifically the "Iowa" mutation, using different force fields. After hours, I'm usually watching Netflix or scoring dingerz in Rocket League.
Karlie Wysong
karliew[at]vt.edu
Undergraduate Researcher
Biochemistry major, Class of 2020
I am studying the post-translational modifications, specifically phosphorylation, of the amyloidogenic protein tau. In my free time, I'm either studying or spending time with my family and friends!