My team and I design and engineer enzymes – nature’s catalysts – to perform chemical reactions that don’t occur naturally. These engineered biocatalysts open the door to greener, more efficient and more selective manufacturing methods in industries like pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, plastics recycling and biofuels.

We custom design enzymes using computational models and directed evolution which allows us to transform molecules in novel ways. Our work has led to:

• Reengineering natural enzymes to help manufacture molnupiravir and lenacapavir, antivirals used for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 and HIV.
• Helping create enzymes that break down abundant plastics such as PET more effectively – the type of plastic found in disposable bottles.
• Inventing photoenzymes powered by visible light that offer cheaper, cleaner routes to producing complex molecules.

By blending organic chemistry, computational design, and evolution in the lab, we’re helping to reduce the costs of medicines, protect the environment, and enable industries to operate more sustainably.