Nina Greeley smiles in an outdoor setting.

Nina Greeley

Image courtesy of the subject.

Graduate Student Spotlight: Nina Greeley

by Danielle Doughty | Department of Chemistry |
Categories: Research, Students

Chemistry Graduate Student Nina Greeley describes her research and answers 20 random questions as part of the Graduate Student Spotlight series.

Originally from Portland, Maine, Nina Greeley first experienced MIT through the 2023 MIT Summer Research Program in Biology (MSRP-Bio), later beginning her graduate studies as a member of Professor Catherine Drennan‘s research group in 2024.

During MSRP-Bio, Nina became interested in structural biology and how solving structures can open new avenues for biochemical research. “For my PhD research, I am structurally characterizing a glycyl radical enzyme in complex with its activating enzyme,” said Nina. “GREs use a post-translationally generated, oxygen-sensitive glycyl radical cofactor that is installed by a partner activating enzyme (GRE-AE) to perform catalysis. As these GREs are found in anaerobic bacteria inhabiting human microbiomes and the environment, these enzymes have potential uses in enzyme engineering, drug discovery, biochemical synthesis, and remediation efforts. However, the exploration of GREs in such contexts is limited by incomplete structural information regarding GRE:GRE-AE association. I aim to fill this gap in knowledge by exploring GRE activation through cryogenic electron microscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.”

As the subject of this Graduate Student Spotlight, Nina shares the most interesting documentary she’s ever watched, three of her favorite fictional characters, the piece of furniture she’d make if she became a master woodworker, and more!

  1. What’s the most interesting documentary you’ve ever watched?

    The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley. It explores how bad it can get when science is conducted in the wrong hands.
  2. If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
    Take my cat paddle boarding.
  3. Who are three of your favorite fictional characters?
    Cristina Yang, Blair Waldorf, Tris Prior
  4. What are some small things that make your day better?
    Walks to get iced hazelnut lattes with oat milk.
  5. What is something that a ton of people are obsessed with but you just don’t get the point of?
    Cheese
  6. What’s worth spending more on to get the best?
    Sushi and a laptop with enough memory.
  7. If you suddenly became a master at woodworking, what would you make?
    A catio!
  8. What did you think you would grow out of but haven’t?
    Grey’s Anatomy (only to S11)
  9. What irrational fear do you have?
    Being scared in the grave.
  10. What chance encounter changed your life forever?
    Meeting my MIT Chemistry visit weekend roommate.
  11. If animals could talk, which animal do you think would be the most annoying, and why?
    My son, Earl. He is a tuxedo cat with a devotion to salmon.
  12. What bends your mind every time you think about it?
    Orbitals
  13. Who is the most famous person you have met?
    JoAnne Stubbe and Brian Hoffman
  14. What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
    Stained glass
  15. What one thing do you really want but can’t afford?
    A fancy Breville espresso machine
  16. Who has impressed you most with what they’ve accomplished?
    My mom! She went to Cambridge Culinary School in her twenties just because she wanted to learn how to cook.
  17.  What invention doesn’t get a lot of love, but has greatly improved the world?
    Carabiners
  18. What are you most looking forward to in the next decade?
    Girlbossing in my career and getting engaged.
  19. What is on your bucket list?
    Traveling back to China and seeing the orphanage I spent 10 months in.
  20. What is your secret talent?
    I can hold a conversation with anyone.