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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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Bekah Fogarty

M.S. Student, Biochemistry

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, 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

M.S. Student, 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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Haley Michel

Ph.D. Candidate, Biochemistry

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, 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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