Chemical reactions which take over 100,000 years at physiological pH and temperature can occur in less than a second in an enzyme active site. Our research explores enzymes that process DNA, RNA, and signaling molecules by studying how the reaction occurs in both solution and an enzyme. We combine laboratory results with computer modeling to visualize the mechanisms, and compare the solution and enzyme mechanisms to reveal the enzyme’s catalytic strategies.

Research in the Fazen lab focuses on understanding the phenomenon of bacterial persistence. Within a population, persister cells are a rare phenotype exhibiting non-heritable tolerance (and survival) to lethal doses of antibiotics that would otherwise kill the rest of the genetically identical population. While persisters are capable of surviving antibiotic treatment, they can neither grow in the presence of antibiotics nor confer this tolerance to their offspring, distinguishing these types of cells from antibiotic-resistant mutants. However, because persisters can survive antibiotic treatment (and regrow following removal of the antibiotic), their presence may play significant roles in the reoccurrence of chronic infections and the development of antibiotic resistance. In the lab, we utilize tools from chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and microbiology to understand bacterial persistence and to develop new compounds and strategies to combat it.

Airborne particles, such as sea spray, smoke, and mineral dust, play an important role in controlling Earth’s climate. The climate-important properties of the particles, however, change when they react with pollutants such as ozone (O3). The atmospheric chemistry research group at Drew investigates how common pollutants alter the properties of airborne particulates, so that we can better understand Earth’s climate. The work of several students was recently published in Environmental Science & Technology.

Developing, implementing and assessing student-centered pedagogies: Developed POGIL materials for analytical chemistry and assessed their efficacy for student learning, and trained faculty to implement these techniques. Currently PI for the collaborative NSF-IUSE grant, “Eliciting and Assessing Process Skills in STEM,” (PIs:  Suzanne Ruder and Renee Cole) which involves the development, validation and dissemination of assessment tools to assess student process skills in active learning classrooms, as well as generating and facilitating faculty development workshops.

Synthesis and reactivity of dibridged triosmium carbonyl clusters:  While triosmium carbonyl clusters in general have been extensively studied, dibridged alkoxy systems, Os3(CO)10(μ-OR)2 are not well represented.  In our lab we are investigating the chemistry and reactivity patterns of these systems with a focus on aspects of this chemistry that have potential application in a variety of fields including, catalytic models, cytotoxic activity and nanomaterials.

A unique reagent which is gaining popularity in the synthetic community is Samarium diiodide (SmI2). This single electron reductant was not discovered until 1980 and a lot of work still needs to be done to uncover all the ways this reagent can work. In our lab we are designing new reactions to form carbon-carbon bonds using SmI2! In addition to using synthetic organic chemistry techniques, careful air-free procedures have to be used in order to carry out the SmI2 methods. Learn more about research in the Choquette lab here: Choquette Lab.

Molecular Biologist, Fellow since 2011, formerly Research Fellow of Oncology and Virology drug discovery research at Schering-Plough Co. | More

Statistician, Director of RISE from 2008 to 2018, Fellow since 2004, formerly Executive Director, Bellcore and Telcordia Technologies. | More

Biotech Research with RISE Fellow Dr. Neal Connors

Assistant Director of RISE. Microbiologist, RISE Fellow since 2016, RISE Associate since 2012. Formerly Senior Investigator, Bioprocess R&D, Merck Research Labs. Currently President of Phoenix BioConsulting, LLC and CTO of Kalion, Inc | More