Training in chemical biology at MIT enables graduate students to address problems that transcend the traditional boundaries of chemistry and biology. Chemical biologists interrogate processes that occur in human, plant, microbial cells, as well as in viruses and animals.
Professor of Biology and Chemistry
Investigator and Professor, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
By combining X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy and other biophysical methods, the goal of the Drennan lab is to “visualize” molecular processes by obtaining snapshots of enzymes in action.
Chemistry Graduate Student Francesca Vaccaro describes her research and answers 20 random questions as part of the Graduate Student Spotlight series.
Researchers develop a method to investigate how bacteria respond to starvation and to identify which proteins bind to the “magic spot” — ppGpp.
Whitehead Institute and MIT researchers uncover the detailed molecular structure of the sporopollenin polymer, an inert material key for the emergence of land plants.
Studies of how photoprotection works at the molecular level may provide a pathway to more biomass and crops.
Chemists discover an unexpected synergy between two types of cancer drugs.
Together, cell growth rate and gene expression shed light on why some tumor cells survive treatment.
Paula J. Olsiewski (PhD '79) has been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science for her extraordinary achievements.
Chemistry Graduate Student Louis Papa describes his research and answers 20 random questions as part of the Graduate Student Spotlight series.