The Schepartz Lab – March 2025

The Schepartz Lab at UC Berkeley is a powerhouse of discovery at the intersection of chemistry and synthetic biology. Led by Professor Alanna Schepartz, we explore the potential of molecular machines—biological nanostructures that drive fundamental processes in life. Our research is not just about understanding these systems, but about harnessing them to build new materials, therapeutics, and tools that redefine what’s possible in molecular science.

As the leading force behind the NSF Center for Genetically Encoded Materials (C-GEM), our lab is pioneering efforts to expand the genetic code and engineer novel sequence-defined polymers. We also develop molecular carriers that cross cell membranes with ease, and we create super-resolution imaging probes that allow scientists to see deep into the intricate world of living cells.

Aralez Bio – January 2025

Aralez Bio is a platform technology company revolutionizing the synthesis of noncanonical amino acids, ncAAs, through biocatalysis. Their proprietary processes enable the production of thousands of ncAAs sustainably at production scales. Founded in 2019 Aralez Bio has rapidly advanced in the biotech industry. In December 2024, the company secured Series A funding and in 2025 moved to a facility in Berkeley, CA, capable of ton-scale production. Aralez Bio's extensive collection of novel ncAAs provides unparalleled atomic-level control in peptide medicinal chemistry, empowering the development of next-generation therapeutics. Their commitment to sustainability and innovation positions us at the forefront of modern drug discovery and development.

Schmeing Lab – December, 2024

The focus of the Schmeing lab is on understanding how large, natural biosynthetic enzymes make their interesting and valuable products. Two of our favorite types of biosynthetic enzymes are nonribosomal peptide synthetases, NRPSs, which synthesize compounds like the antibiotic daptomycin, the anti-tumour actinomycin and the immunosuppressant cyclosporin, and cyanophycin synthetase, which makes an extremely useful green polymer. We combine cryo-EM, crystallography, chemical biology, biophysical and biochemical techniques to visualize and understand these awesome enzymes.

David Lab – November, 2024

At the Yael David Lab at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, MSKCC, members are passionate about advancing the boundaries of epigenetics research within a supportive, collaborative environment. The research in the David Lab leverages key techniques from chemical biology, biochemistry, and cell biology to explore fundamental aspects of epigenetic regulation through an interdisciplinary approach. Beyond their scientific pursuits, group members are dedicated to fostering a collaborative and positive environment where all lab members can thrive.

Kiessling Lab – October 2024

Led by Professor Laura Kiessling at MIT, the Kiessling lab has a passion for carbohydrates — the biomolecules coating every cell on Earth. This coat, termed the glycocalyx, serves as a critical conduit of information. Using chemical biology, the Kiessling lab interrogates ways in which the glycocalyx enables microbes to escape host immune recognition. The group harnesses synthetic chemistry, molecular dynamics simulations, molecular and cell biology, as well as immunology to unpack the importance of glycan-protein interactions at the forefront of many diseases.

Nitsche Lab – September 2024

Cutting-edge research meets a vibrant, diverse, and collaborative culture in the Nitsche lab at the Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra. Led by Professor Christoph Nitsche, the team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of peptide chemical biology, focusing on innovative modification techniques for constrained peptides as advanced drug leads. Lab members take pride in the wonderfully diverse and welcoming culture, with members from several parts of the globe.