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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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Farah Abdullah

Undergraduate Researcher
fabdullah[at]vt.edu

Biochemistry major, Class of 2027

 

I’m interested in gaining a deeper understanding of drug design using computational modeling. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, cooking, and baking!

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Azaan Dawson

Undergraduate Researcher
azaand[at]vt.edu

Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry major, Class of 2026

I’m interested in learning more about protein dynamics and drug design. In my free time I enjoy running, biking, playing ping pong, and going to concerts.

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Meiers Dixon

Ph.D. Student, Biochemistry
meiers[at]vt.edu

B.S. Neuroscience, Bucknell University (2025)

I am interested in using molecular dynamics to understand biological systems and building tools. My auxiliary interests include plant identification and audiobooks.

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Laura Gil Pineda

Ph.D. Candidate, Biochemistry

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

Accelerated BS/MS Student, Biochemistry

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. Candidate, Biochemistry

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. Candidate, Biochemistry

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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Darling de Andrade Lourenço

Ph.D. Student, Biochemistry

dalourenco[at]vt.edu

B.S. Biotechnology, Federal University of Pelotas (2020)

M.S. Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (2022)

I’m interested in utilizing computational modeling approaches to investigate protein structure and function, as well as to develop new therapeutics targeting these molecules. In my free time, I enjoy running and reading.

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Kait Malewicz

Ph.D. Candidate, Biological Sciences

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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Esmat Mohammadi

Ph.D. Candidate, Chemical Engineering
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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