CheMIE REU Core Preceptors

Confirmation of Stability of Protein Release from Photothermally Modulated Polymeric Drug Delivery Systems: The Betancourt group has recently published on the development of hydrogels crosslinked via reversible thiol-Michael bonds that can be modulated by thermal and photothermal stimuli to act as an on-demand drug delivery system.1,2 While thermally induced drug delivery activation can lead to protein denaturation, previously reported systems have utilized thermal triggers for the delivery of proteins have demonstrated that, with care, the release of protein that retains its bioactivity is possible.3-4 In this work, circular dichroism spectroscopy,5-7 fluorescence spectroscopy and Western blots will be used as key tools to investigate the retention of the secondary structure of loaded therapeutic proteins upon photothermally controlled release. Studies will look at the effect of thermal and photothermal activation of the hydrogels on the CD and intrinsic fluorescence spectra of proteins (BSA as a mimic, lysozyme, insulin) as a function of temperature and photothermal power/irradiation time. Results will provide evidence of the clinical feasibility of this drug delivery system and substantiate further bioactivity studies. 

  1. Thapa, K.; FitzSimons, T.M.; Otakpor, M.U.; Siller, M.M.; Crowell, A. D.; Zepeda, J.; Torres, E.; Roe, L.N.; Arts, J.; Rosales, A.M.; Betancourt, T. Photothermal Modulation of Dynamic Covalent Poly(ethylene glycol)/PEDOT Composite Hydrogels for On-Demand Drug Delivery. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces. 2023, 15 (45), 52180-52196. DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c11288
  2. Thapa, K.; Scott, A.; Otakpor, M.U.; Bhuiyan, S.; Conrad, N.; Torres, E.; Gee, D.; Afiza, M.; Rosales, A.M.; Betancourt, T. Hybrid Dynamic–Covalent PEG Hydrogels with Enhanced Stability for Photothermally Triggered Pulsatile Drug Delivery. Macromolecular Bioscience2026, Accepted for Publication. 
  3. Sershen, S. R.; Westcott, S. L.; Halas, N. J.; West, J. L. Temperature-sensitive polymer–nanoshell composites for photothermally modulated drug delivery. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research 2000, 51 (3), 293-298. DOI: 10.1002/1097-4636(20000905)51:3<293::AID-JBM1>3.0.CO;2-T. 
  4. Hu, J.; Chen, Y.; Li, Y.; Zhou, Z.; Cheng, Y. A thermo-degradable hydrogel with light-tunable degradation and drug release. Biomaterials 2017, 112, 133-140. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.10.015.
  5. Grabowska, O.; Kogut, M. M.; Żamojć, K.; Samsonov, S. A.; Makowska, J.; Tesmar, A.; Chmur, K.; Wyrzykowski, D.; Chmurzyński, L. Effect of Tetraphenylborate on Physicochemical Properties of Bovine Serum Albumin. Molecules 2021, 26 (21), 6565.
  6. Olamoyesan, A.; Ang, D.; Rodger, A. Circular dichroism for secondary structure determination of proteins with unfolded domains using a self-organising map algorithm SOMSpec. RSC Advances 2021, 11, 23985-23991. DOI: 10.1039/D1RA02898G.
  7. Rodger, A.; Marshall, D. Beginners guide to circular dichroism. The Biochemist 2021, 43 (2), 58-64. DOI: 10.1042/bio_2020_105.

Our research is focused on the interaction of light with molecules.  Light chemistry is at the core of solar energy but also finds applications in targeted cancer therapy and cloaking technology.  We study the fundamentals of light-molecule interactions by synthesizing and characterizing new organic molecules. Students will learn the laboratory skills of organic synthesis, nuclear magnetic resonance, UV-Vis spectroscopy, chromatographic purification and ab initio computations.

This project focuses on the synthesis and characterization of novel neodymium-based endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs), in which fullerene cages stabilize unique metal clusters with unprecedented electronic and magnetic properties. REU students will investigate metal-cage interactions and structure-property relationships using modern nanocarbon synthesis, purification, and spectroscopic characterization techniques, while exploring potential applications in electrocatalysis and electronic devices. 

The Jacobs lab is interested in studying how the unique physicochemical properties of charged microdroplets can alter chemical reaction kinetics and mechanisms. We use single droplet levitation techniques to prepare suspended microdroplet reactions with well-defined size and composition. By measuring how chemistry in droplets changes compared to macroscale solution, we can develop a molecular understanding of how chemistry in microdroplets is fundamentally different than in macroscale solutions. Summer projects in in my lab would study how 1) acid-base chemistry or 2) redox chemistry is altered in levitated microdroplets due to the large, exposed surface area and/or large net charges on droplets. 

Dr. Chang Ji’s research involves the electrochemical synthesis and characterization of chiral cyclic amino acid derivatives. These types of compounds could be obtained by anodic oxidation of substrates containing dithioketene acetal and amine groups via intramolecular cyclization. However, the products are racemic mixtures. Recently, a series of similar substrates with imine (instead of amine) functional groups were synthesized by our lab and found to undergo the same anodic cyclization reactions. In summer 2023, a CheMIE REU student will synthesize chiral aldehydes which will be used to make the corresponding imine substrates, and apply them for anodic oxidation by constant current electrolysis. The investigation will focus on whether the chiral imines can induce asymmetric intramolecular cyclization to give cyclic amino acid derivatives as a dominant enantiomer. The results will be examined to elucidate the reaction mechanism, which could be of great importance for the enantioselective synthesis of natural products or active drugs.

Synthetic organic chemistry focused on application of alkynylazole cyclizations to diverse bicyclic heterocycles with potential application as selective G-triplex DNA molecular probes. REU students in the Kerwin Research Group will learn organic synthesis and small molecule characterization, computational chemistry, and biophysical methods including SPR and ITC. 

The Lewis Lab seeks to understand the mechanics that drive specific interactions between biological molecules, especially those that determine protein structure and function. Currently, several projects in the lab are focused on the role of intrinsically disordered domains in the eukaryotic mRNA-binding protein LaRP6, which regulates protein synthesis and expression. While LaRP6 is generally conserved cross multicellular eukaryotes, its biological roles are still being identified and our group has identified phylogenetic differences between evolutionary clades (Castro et al 2017, Lewis et al 2025). A potential CheMIE REU project is to recombinantly express and purify at least one mutant of the LaRP6 protein that we predict has altered structure and RNA binding activity. The CheMIE researcher will analyze the structural stability and the RNA binding activity of the mutant(s), using circular dichroism spectroscopy, gel shift assays, and protein denaturation assays. By comparing the behavior of the mutant(s) to the wildtype form of LaRP6 and other previously-characterized mutants in the lab, this project will contribute to the emerging functional model for the intra- and inter-molecular interactions that regulate the RNA binding activities of LaRP6. 

The current focus of the Luxford research program is centered on increasing student learning in chemistry courses. Learning includes both approaches to visualizing electron movement in mechanisms using computer-aided eye-tracking, and measuring the effectiveness of study habits, classroom support such as Learning Assistants and Supplemental Instruction, and problem-solving strategies in general and organic chemistry. CheMIE REU students will be able to choose between either a qualitative or quantitative data analysis project. For the qualitative projects, a CheMIE REU student will explore patterns within eye tracking data or use grounded theory and the constant comparative method for analyzing open responses to survey questions or transcribed interview data. On the quantitative project, a CheMIE REU student will work with large datasets of survey responses and/or student demographic data to explore trends using both parametric and nonparametric statistics.   

The Martin group is exploring new ways to synthesize complex solid-state materials for catalysis and electronics applications by using lasers as a heating source. This allows ultrafast heating and local cooling to trap elements in semi-stable arrangements. The resulting alloys and solid solutions have tunable properties outside of the currently accessible range, and are expected to have highly active surfaces to further promote catalysis. We are currently investigating mixed metal oxides for electrocatalysis, for example: MFe2O4 (M = Mn/Fe/Co/Ni).  Students working on this project will gain experience in solid state synthesis techniques, air-free manipulations, and characterization methods including x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy.   

The Peterson Laboratory is interested in elucidating the inorganic biochemistry operating at the host-pathogen interface. Currently, our laboratories R35 NIH-research grant is centered on describing the biochemistry and cell biology of secreted Cu-scavenging proteins and a novel gene cluster (i.e., the CRC)(REF PMID: 40422706; PMID: 42187800) in the fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), which causes white-nose syndrome disease in bats (See Figure X). CheMIE REU researchers would participate in projects focusing on one of three areas based on their interest: characterizing recombinant proteins from CRC / BIM1homologs found in other fungal species, describing the metal-cell biology of the Pd CRC using Baker’s yeast as a recombinant expression host, chemically synthesizing metallophore derivatives and characterizing their metal binding properties. All efforts employ a range of biochemical and molecular biology approaches, including spectrophotometric chemical analysis of metals and small molecules, molecular cloning, and protein expression and characterization. 

Research in the Rhodes group is aimed at understanding relationships between structure, activity, and stability within bimetallic nanostructured transition metal oxides for electrochemical energy storage and conversion, including batteries and water electrolyzers. Prior studies in the Rhodes group have shown that metal oxides/hydroxides that combine metals with different electronegativities and atomic radii alters the atomic and electronic structure of the active site and influences electrochemical properties and stability of both electrocatalysts1-9 and battery electrodes.10, 11 For metal oxide (MO2, M=Ru, Mn, etc.) oxygen evolution electrocatalysts, we hypothesize that the amount of the additional metal substituent (e.g. Ti, Sn, Cr, etc.) and the temperature treatment will significantly affect the electronic structure of the active site and the concentration of surface OH groups, which will affect both activity and stability, as supported by our prior studies.5, 7-9  Building from our studies of layered Ni(OH)2 cathodes for aqueous batteries,10, 11 we hypothesize that the amount of the metal substituent (e.g. Al3+) will result in altering the amount and environment of interlayer anions which will affect the capacity and cycle life. CheMIE REU students will investigate the synthesis, structure and electrochemical properties of bimetallic nanostructured transition metal oxides and hydroxides by using variety of methods including (i) solution-phase synthesis of nanostructured bimetallic oxides, (ii) characterization using x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and infrared spectroscopy, XPS and N2 porosimetry, and (iii) electrochemistry. REU projects will focus on understanding the effects of composition, temperature, and atmosphere treatments on local and surface structure. The information derived from these structural studies will be correlated with electrochemical activity and stability to generate improved materials for water electrolyzers and aqueous batteries.  

(1) Godínez-Salomón, F.; Albiter, L.; Alia, S. M.; Pivovar, B. S.; Camacho-Forero, L. E.; Balbuena, P. B.; Mendoza-Cruz, R.; Arellano-Jimenez, M. J.; Rhodes, C. P. Hydrous Iridium-Nickel Oxide Two-dimensional Nanoframes for High Activity Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts. ACS Catalysis 2018, 8 (11), 10498–10520.

(2) Godinez-Salomon, F.; Albiter, L.; Mendoza-Cruz, R.; Rhodes, C. P. Bimetallic Two-Dimensional Nanoframes: High Activity Acidic Bifunctional Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Electrocatalysts. ACS Applied Energy Materials 2020, 3 (3), 2404–2421, Article. DOI: 10.1021/acsaem.9b02051.

(3) Godinez-Salomon, F.; Hallen-Lopez, M.; Solorza-Feria, O. Enhanced Electroactivity for the Oxygen Reduction on Ni@Pt Core-shell Nanocatalysts. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 2012, 37 (19), 14902–14910, Article; Proceedings Paper. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2012.01.157.

(4) Godinez-Salomon, F.; Mendoza-Cruz, R.; Arellano-Jimenez, M. J.; Jose-Yacaman, M.; Rhodes, C. P. Metallic Two-Dimensional Nanoframes: Unsupported Hierarchical Nickel-Platinum Alloy Nanoarchitectures with Enhanced Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction Activity and Stability. Acs Applied Materials & Interfaces 2017, 9 (22), 18660–18674, Article. DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b00043.

(5) Godinez-Salomon, J. F.; Ospina-Acevedo, F.; Albiter, L. A.; Bailey, K. O.; Naymik, Z. G.; Mendoza-Cruz, R.; Balbuena, P. B.; Rhodes, C. P. Titanium Substitution Effects on the Structure, Activity, and Stability of Nanoscale Ruthenium Oxide Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts: Experimental and Computational Study. Acs Applied Nano Materials 2022, 5 (8), 11752–11775. DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.2c02760.

(6) Ying, Y.; Godínez Salomón, J. F.; Lartundo-Rojas, L.; Moreno, A.; Meyer, R.; Damin, C. A.; Rhodes, C. P. Hydrous Cobalt–Iridium Oxide Two-Dimensional Nanoframes: Insights into Activity and Stability of Bimetallic Acidic Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts. Nanoscale Adv. 2021,  (3), 1976–1996, 10.1039/D0NA00912A. DOI: 10.1039/D0NA00912A.

(7) Ospina-Acevedo, F.; Albiter, L. A.; Bailey, K. O.; Godinez-Salomon, J. F.; Rhodes, C. P.; Balbuena, P. B. Catalytic Activity and Electrochemical Stability of Ru1-xMxO2 (M = Zr, Nb, Ta): Computational and Experimental Study of the Oxygen Evolution Reaction. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2024, 16 (13), 16373–16398, Article. DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c01408 (accessed 2024-03-30).

(8) Ospina-Acevedo, F.; Godínez-Salomón, J.; Naymik, Z.; Matthews, K.; Warner, J.; Rhodes, C.; Balbuena, P. Impacts of Surface Reconstruction and Metal Dissolution on Ru1-x Ti x O2 Acidic Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts. Journal of Physical Chemistry C 2025, 129 (7), 3595–3613. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.4c08119.

(9) Adame-Solorio, J.; Kimmel, S.; Bailey, K.; Rhodes, C. Chromium Substitution Within Ruthenium Oxide Aerogels Enables High Activity Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting. Crystals 2025, 15 (2). DOI: 10.3390/cryst15020116.

(10) Kimmel, S. W.; Deblock, R. H.; Manley, J. A.; Silguero, C. M.; Rolison, D. R.; Rhodes, C. P. The role of cathode architecture and anion interactions on the performance of Al-substituted a-Ni(OH)2 in rechargeable Ni-Zn cells. Mater. Today Energy 2024, 44, Article. DOI: 10.1016/j.mtener.2024.101609 (accessed 2024-07-04).

(11) Kimmel, S. W.; Hopkins, B. J.; Chervin, C. N.; Skeele, N. L.; Ko, J. S.; DeBlock, R. H.; Long, J. W.; Parker, J. F.; Hudak, B. M.; Stroud, R.; et al. Capacity and Phase Stability of Metal-Substituted α-Ni(OH)2 Nanosheets in Aqueous Ni–Zn Batteries. Mater. Adv. 2021, 2, 3060–3074, 10.1039/D1MA00080B.

We in the Schilter Group want to understand molecular metal complexes in exquisite detail. Our research program is funded through the NIH (R16 grant) and The Welch Foundation. Using techniques like mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography, we address fundamental yet challenging questions. Ever wondered how often a ring opens and closes? How does this affect size? And what properties of a metal and ligand dictate the stability of a chelate ring? Help us find out! 

The Whitten Group investigates the thermodynamics of protein macromolecules to develop molecular descriptions of biological activity. Using a combination of experimental and computational methods, current projects are focused on developing predictive models of phase separation by intrinsically disordered protein sequences. The most recent model, ParSe, has identified several potentially phase-separating proteins in the human genome that are currently being used for studies of both the mechanisms of phase separation by intrinsically-disordered sequences and the role of phase separation in biological signaling and regulatory pathways. A 2023 CheMIE REU student will recombinantly express and purify one of these prospective phase-separating proteins, and then quantitatively measure the phase-separation behavior and structural properties of the purified protein.

The Xue group investigates how DNA/RNA helicases enable precise DNA damage repair to avoid genome instability and tumorigenesis. A major area of work in the lab studies the mechanism of protein SUMOylation in DNA damage repair and genome maintenance, Genes Dev 2021, 35, 261-272; J Biol. Chem. 2022, 298, 102092; Nat Commun 2026, in press), which is supported by NIGMS of NIH (R16GM159631). REU Students will gain experience in protein biochemistry in DNA damage repair in the Xue lab. 

The Wu lab will provide undergraduate students with hands-on training in small molecule microarray (SMM) technology, a cutting-edge platform for identifying ligands against challenging therapeutic targets. Students will learn the manufacturing and screening process of SMM within a 10-week summer program. The project ensures meaningful research progress within the program timeline for undergraduate students. In addition to be trained in SMM discovery, students will also be trained to integrate SMM data to AI/ML process for advanced drug discovery. Successful participants will be recognized through presentations and co-authorship for their future graduate school and biomedical research careers. 

Meet the New Researchers Joining Us Starting Summer 2027

Dr. Yuan Lu