Current Members

Edwin Alfonzo, Ph.D.

NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Postdoctoral Fellow

B.S. in Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Boston University

Edwin’s doctoral studies involved the total synthesis of Lignan natural products and the development of new photoredox catalysts for their application thereof. When not in the lab, Edwin enjoys dancing, cooking, and cheering on all Boston teams.

Hometown: Lawrence, MA (USA)

Anuvab Das, Ph.D.

B.Sc. in Chemistry, Presidency College (Calcutta University
M. Sc. in Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Texas A&M University

Anuvab’s graduate work in Dave Powers’ lab focussed on the structural characterization of reactive intermediates involved during nitrene transfer catalysis using photocdrystallography. After completing his Ph.D., Anuvab joined the Arnold lab as a postdoc, to learn about biocatalysis and molecular biology techniques. He is interested in developing novel C–H activation reactions using directed evolution of enzymes. Outside of lab, Anuvab enjoys playing video games, badminton and exploring U.S National parks.

Hometown: Kolkata, India

Julie Ducharme, Ph.D.

FRQNT Postdoctoral Fellow

B.S. in Food Science, McGill University
Ph.D. in Chemistry, McGill University

During her graduate degree, Julie studied the allosteric properties of the important drug-metabolizing enzyme, cytochrome P450 3A4. She developed a strong interest in protein structure-function relationships, protein dynamics, and allostery. She joined the Arnold group to deepen her knowledge in protein engineering strategies and develop novel biocatalysts for industrial purposes. Outside the lab, Julie enjoys music, swimming, doing yoga, and dinner with friends.

Hometown: Montreal, QB (Canada)

Tyler Fulton, Ph.D.

B.S. /M.S. in Chemistry, Bucknell University
Ph.D. in Chemistry, California Institute of Technology

Tyler’s doctoral studies in the lab of Prof. Brian Stoltz involved the total synthesis of natural products and the development of new methods for acyclic stereocontrol. When not in the lab, Tyler enjoys gardening, cooking, and going for hikes.

Hometown: Freeland, PA (USA)

Jennifer Kennemur, Ph.D.

NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Postdoctoral Fellow

B.S. in Chemistry, Texas Tech University
M.S. in Chemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung

Jenni conducted her PhD studies in Ben List’s group at the MPI für Kohlenforschung in Germany, where she developed extremely acidic chiral organocatalysts for applications in a myriad of asymmetric transformations. Inspired by the remarkable ability of enzymes to impart regio- and stereoselectivity, Jenni moved to the Arnold group to learn how to use protein engineering techniques to develop new-to-nature transformations. Outside of the lab, Jenni enjoys exploring LA’s prolific stand-up comedy scene and figuring out new ways to live a more sustainable, low-waste life.

Hometown: Grand Prairie, TX (USA)

Ziqi Li, Ph.D.

B.S. in Chemistry, Nankai University
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Scripps Research

Ziqi conducted her Ph.D. research with Prof. Keary M. Engle at Scripps Research, where she explored how ligand design, reagent development, and synergistic catalysis enable regio- and enantioselective alkene functionalization. As a postdoc in the Arnold lab, Ziqi is excited to unlock the biocatalysis territory for the development of selective, efficient, and sustainable synthetic methodologies. Outside the lab, Ziqi enjoys all kinds of natural fragrances, coffee and tea included.

Hometown: Heze, Shandong (China)

Runze Mao, Ph.D.

SNF Postdoctoral Fellow

B.S.  in Chemistry, Henan Normal University
M.S. in Chemical Biology, Peking University
Ph.D. in Chemistry, EPFL

Runze has a broad interest in catalysis and has been working on developing novel catalytic approaches for chemical transformations related to synthesis, chemical biology and sustainability. After realizing the power of biocatalysis, he joined the Arnold lab, where he focuses on exploring the vast potential of biocatalysis and using it to solve synthetic challenges. Outside of the lab, Runze enjoys hiking, playing basketball, and swimming.

Hometown: Xinxiang, Henan (China)

Julia Reisenbauer, Ph.D.

SNSF Postdoctoral Fellow

B.Sc. in Chemistry, ETH Zurich
M.Sc. in Chemistry, ETH Zurich
Ph.D. in Chemistry, ETH Zurich

Julia dedicated her doctoral years to advancing the field of nickel-catalyzed transfer hydrocyanation reactions under the guidance of Prof. Bill Morandi at ETH Zurich. Simultaneously, she actively contributed to the development of innovative skeletal editing strategies for N-heterocycles. After obtaining her Ph.D., Julia became a postdoctoral researcher in the Arnold lab, where she embarked on a journey to gain expertise in biocatalysis and molecular biology techniques. Beyond her research pursuits, you’ll often spot her outdoors, indulging in her passions for biking, hiking, and bouldering.

Hometown: Edlitz (Austria)

Kathleen Sicinski, Ph.D.

NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Postdoctoral Fellow

B.S. in Biochemistry, Moravian College
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Tufts University

Katie obtained her Ph.D. at Tufts University under the advisement of Prof. Krishna Kumar. Her doctoral work focused on chemical strategies to increase protease stability of peptide hormones for the treatment of non-communicable diseases such as type II diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease. Now in the Arnold laboratory, Katie is harnessing the power of enzymes and directed evolution to engineer biocatalysts for chemical transformations that are hard to achieve by traditional synthetic methods. When not in the laboratory, you can find Katie teaching yoga, on the dance floor, or spending time with her four nieces and six nephews.

Hometown: Allentown, PA (USA)

Ziyan Zhang, Ph.D.

B.S. in Chemistry, Beijing Technology and Business University
Ph.D.  in Chemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas

Ziyan obtained her Ph.D. at The University of Texas at Dallas under the guidance of Prof. Vladimir Gevorgyan. During her doctoral studies, she focused on the development of denitrogenative transformations of pyridotriazoles and photoinduced palladium hydride-catalyzed reactions. Currently, as a postdoc in the Arnold laboratory, Ziyan is unlocking the power of enzymes and directed evolution for developing new-to-nature transformations. Outside of the lab, Ziyan enjoys reading, cooking, and hiking.

Hometown: Heze, Shandong (China)