Biochemistry of Anaerobic Microbes Lab

Working at the intersection of Chemistry and Microbiology

Our approach

We employs an interdisciplinary approach to study processes that significantly impact the global carbon cycle, alternative energy sources, and biomedical applications. We work at the intersection of chemistry, anaerobic microbiology, and biophysics, exploring processes essential to these fields. A primary focus of our research is to develop a molecular understanding of the proteins involved in electron transport, energy conservation, and stress response in anaerobic microbes. The questions we investigate are addressed using a variety of methods, including molecular biology, genetics, protein expression and purification, spectroscopy, transient-state kinetics, and structural biology.  

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Lab news

Fall 2025

  • The lab received DOE-BES funding ($0.9M) for Understanding the redox regulation and catalytic diversity in Ferredoxin Thioredoxin Reductase domain-containing proteins in collaboration with Dr. Yisong (Alex) Guo at Carnegie Mellon University.

  • Postdoctoral opportunity:

    We are seeking a highly motivated candidate for a postdoctoral research position in Biochemistry of Metalloproteins / Bioinorganic Chemistry. The project entails examining the mechanisms of electron-bifurcating heterodisulfide reductases and the reaction mechanisms of ferredoxin disulfide reductases utilizing pre-steady-state and steady-state kinetics, alongside spectroscopic techniques (EPR, Mössbauer, and IR), and biophysical methods (SAXS, SANS, Cryo-EM, and X-ray crystallography).

    Candidates must possess experience in metalloproteins and demonstrate proficiency in utilizing the Stopped-Flow approach and interpreting results. Experience with spectroscopic methods, biophysical approaches, and anaerobic microorganisms is preferred but not essential. The post provides opportunities to conduct experiments at SNS at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and to help in the training of undergraduate and graduate students.

    Prospective candidates must reach out to Dr. Divya Prakash at divya.prakash@siu.edu, providing a curriculum vitae and a cover letter detailing their suitability for the group. Kindly consult the laboratory's website for information regarding the research. https://www.divyalab.com/

    Prerequisites

    Qualifications: A Ph.D. or the submission of a Ph.D. dissertation in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related field is required. Candidates must have a robust commitment to research and a fervent enthusiasm for mentoring students.

    Spring 2024

  • The lab received ARPA-E DOE funding ($1.1M) for hydrogen harvesting in collaboration with Dr. Shimin Liu at Penn State and Dr. Satya Harpilani at SIUC.

Fall 2023

  • Two seed grants have been awarded to the lab:

    1. Soybean Research Grant

    2. Advanced Research Institute.

    Spring 2023

  •  A first grant of $158 K was awarded to the lab.

    Fall 2022

  • The lab welcomes doctoral student Mohmmad Iftikhar!

  • The lab welcomes its first undergraduate, Hannah Kruse!

 

Our lab/office is conveniently located at SIU (Southern Illinois University).

School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences

Office: Neckers 325

Lab: Neckers 309/307

1245 Lincoln Drive

Carbondale, Illinois,

62901. USA