Dr. Meher Prakash
Dr. Meher Prakash is a postdoctoral fellow focusing on the synthesis of Anabaenopeptins, a class of bioactive cyclic peptides produced by cyanobacteria. He earned his doctorate degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Indore, India, where his research centered on developing transition metal-free domino approaches to synthesize biologically and medicinally active hetero- and carbocyclic scaffolds. In the future, he aims to pursue a career in academia. In his free time, he enjoys playing chess, reading historical fiction, and hiking.
Estevan Colmanetti
Estevan is a first-year graduate student born and raised in Brasilia, Brazil, where he earned his B.Sc. in Technological Chemistry and B.Ed. in Chemistry, both from the University of Brasilia. He is deeply passionate about education, and his academic interests include the synthesis of natural products to address environmental challenges. Estevan aspires to a career as a professor, engaging in cutting-edge research and promoting scientific dissemination. Outside of academics, he enjoys playing the guitar, running, and is a huge fan of Game of Thrones.
Elliot Furr
Elliot is a third-year graduate student in our group, with a strong interest in developing and implementing chemical tools for environmental recovery and conservation. Elliot earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Lake Superior State University in 2018, and has since been dedicated to using his skills to address pressing environmental challenges. In our lab, Elliot is focused on acquiring the knowledge and tools he needs to further his work in environmental recovery.
Kelli Chapman
Kelli is a third-year graduate student whose primary research focuses are organic synthesis and biochemical assays. Originally from Chino Hills, CA, Kelli completed her BS in Neuroscience at Central Michigan University in 2021. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in drug discovery and development.
Megan Quandt
Megan is a fourth-year graduate student working on bio-organic chemistry, synthesizing bioactive peptides derived from cyanobacteria. She earned her BS in Biochemistry at the University of Michigan-Flint, with a minor in Biology. After graduate school, she aims to find an industry career where she can make meaningful contributions through the development and study of bioactive compounds.