B.S., State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1983 M.S., Michigan State University, 1986 Ph.D., Columbia University, 1988 Postdoctoral Associate, University of California-Berkeley, 1988-1989 Postdoctoral Associate, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1989-1993

Biochemistry

Enzyme mechanisms and kinetics, protein structure-function, biosynthesis, synthesis of biologically active molecules

We integrate tools in organic synthesis, enzymology, molecular biology, and computational methods to unravel complex biomolecular interactions and events. One of our interest areas is carbohydrate chemistry and biochemistry. For example we have applied kinetic isotope effects to understand glycosyltransferase mechanisms. A new project area is focused on study of the biosynthesis of azasugars. These compounds are well known glycosidase inhibitors that feature a nitrogen atom in the ring, rather than oxygen. How and why these compounds are produced in bacteria and plants is an ongoing question we are investigating. In another project area, we chemically synthesize new probes and use homology modeling to define structural, functional, and selectivity features of the ligand binding domain within the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. This is part of a long standing collaboration with Dr. Roger Papke of the University of Florida Pharmacology Department.