The Team
Principle Investigator: Kyle F. Biegasiewicz
Kyle Biegasiewicz
(he/him)
Current Appointment
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Arizona State University, School of Molecular Sciences
Biodesign Institute Faculty Affiliations
Molecular Design and Biomimetics
Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing
Academic Training
Princeton University, Postdoctoral Research Associate with Todd K. Hyster
University of Rochester, Ph.D. with Robert K. Boeckman, Jr.
Niagara University, B.S. Chemistry with Ronny Priefer
Kyle Biegasiewicz is an Assistant Professor in the School of Molecular Sciences and the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University. He received his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Chemistry from Niagara University in 2010, conducting undergraduate research with Professor Ronny Priefer where he established a general approach for the synthesis of the isoflavone class of natural products. He then pursued graduate studies in synthetic organic chemistry with Professor Robert K. Boeckman, Jr. at the University of Rochester. His graduate studies featured the development of an organocatalyzed asymmetric hydroxymethylation reaction that ultimately enabled a gram-scale synthesis of the apoptosis inducer (-)-rasfonin. Upon completion of his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemistry, he moved to Princeton University as Postdoctoral Research Associate working with Professor Todd K. Hyster. His postdoctoral work broadly involved the expansion of the synthetic repertoire of enzymes through photoexcitation with visible light. Capitalizing on the photophysical properties of enzymes with redox active cofactors (namely nicotinamide and flavin). This work has begun to address longstanding challenges in selective hydrogen atom transfer and radical carbon-carbon bond forming reactions.
Twitter : @KFBChem
Current Group Members
Cameron Pascoe (PD)
(he/him)
Academic Training
BSc Chemistry and Biology, University of the Fraser Valley
PhD Biochemistry, University of Alberta in Edmonton
Advisor- Dr. John Vederas
Thesis- Diamino Diacid Assisted Macrocyclization of Apelin and Neopetrosiamide
Cameron grew up in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada and received his BSc with a double major in Chemistry and Biology from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). Cameron’s undergraduate research investigated DNAzymes and trying to improve their catalytic ability. From UFV, Cameron pursued his Ph.D under Dr. John Vederas at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. There he primarily focused on the synthesis of various diamino diacids for the purpose of peptide macrocyclization. He also used diamino diacids to replace natural disulfides with carbon, investigating the effects on activity and predisposition towards any remaining folding in the peptide. Cameron has always been interested in organic synthesis and is eager to bring the world of biocatalysts and chemical synthesis together to assemble complex structures. His current research is focused on chemoenzymatic synthesis. Cameron is an avid sports enthusiast and in his spare time likes to go hiking, camping, and playing soccer.
Awards and Honors
Doctoral Entrance Scholarship, 2018
Marshall Syska Chemistry Graduate Scholarship, 2020
Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship, 2021
University of Alberta Completion Scholarship, 2021
Logan Hessefort (G3)
(he/him)
Academic Training
BS Chemistry, University of Central Missouri 2019
Logan grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and received his BS in Chemistry from the University of Central Missouri (UCM). Logan’s undergraduate research featured the determination of how sequence affects the thermodynamic stability of coiled-coils under Prof. Mandy Blackburn. In addition to his research efforts at UCM, he received a NSF-REU fellowship at the University of Kansas with Prof. Timothy Jackson working on the determination of the effects of second-sphere interactions in Mn(III)-hydroxo complexes. Logan is deeply interested in making biocatalysts feasible options on the industrial scale through catalyst development and protein engineering. His current focus is expanding the synthetic repertoire of peroxidase enzymes. In his free time, he likes to watch football (Go Chiefs), hike, camp, and do any board sport that’s in season.
Awards and Honors
NSF-REU fellowship at the University of Kansas
Lauren P. T. Ramos (G3)
(she/her)
Academic Training
BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Grand Canyon University 2019
Lauren was born and raised in Arizona and completed her BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. There she worked with Professor Randhir Deo studying cyclic voltammetry and heavy metal detection in natural and man-made bodies of water. While taking her undergraduate organic chemistry courses, Lauren discovered that she has a passion for synthesis and mechanistic studies. She is eager to further explore the nuances of catalysis and chemical reactivity in the context of complex molecule synthesis. Her research efforts currently feature biocatalytic heterocycle synthesis and functionalization reactions. Outside of the lab Lauren enjoys reading, photography, and illustration.
Manik Sharma (G3)
(he/him)
Academic Training
BS and MS Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University 2021
Manik grew up in Amritsar, India and received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. Chemistry from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. In his Masters his research was focused on the development of fluorescent probe for the selective sensing of Reactive Oxidative species (ROS). His current research focuses on exploring the new reactions catalysed by the peroxidases enzymes. In his free time, he likes to play cricket and listen to Punjabi music.
Awards and Honors
Teaching Excellence Award, 2022
Academic Training
BS Biochemistry Minor in Sustainability, Arizona State University 2022
Clare is originally from Glendale, Arizona. She moved to Tempe, Arizona to pursue a BS degree in Biochemistry from Arizona State University. While attending ASU, she has developed a passion for organic and medicinal chemistry. Her new added passions for biocatalysis and sustainable synthesis has her currently working toward high-throughput biocatalyst discovery. Clare is a part of a service sorority, Omega Phi Alpha, and in her free time she enjoys antiquing, oil painting, and reading fantasy novels.
Awards and Honors
ElectraTect-IKA Unlimited Potential Award, 2022
Academic Training
BS Chemistry Minor Mathematics, Arizona State University Projected- 2023
Lauren was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After graduating from Eldorado High School, she moved to Tempe, Arizona to study chemistry and biological sciences at ASU as part of Barrett Honors College. She is currently working on studies featuring the design and development of chemoenzymatic and biomimetic strategies for alkene difunctionalization. In her free time, Lauren enjoys cooking and baking as well as hiking and spending time outdoors.
Awards and Honors
ACS Division of Organic Chemistry SURF Scholar, 2022
Barry Goldwater Scholar, 2022
Merck Future Talent Program Internship, Boston 2021
Academic Training
BS Chemistry, Arizona State University Projected- 2023
Hyung Ji (Sophia) was born and raised in South Korea until she turned 12, then moved to Arizona with her family. Her interest in chemical reactions and molecular interactions in living organisms inspired her to pursue a BS degree in Chemistry from Arizona State University as well as a minor in Biological Sciences. Out of all the fields in chemistry, organic chemistry fascinated her the most, which encouraged her to join our lab. Currently, learning new concepts and discovering new phenomena in biocatalysis and organic synthesis excite her the most. Sophia is also a part of the Devils’ Advocates leading tours around the Tempe campus for students and families interested in ASU. During free time, she likes to paint her nails, bullet journaling, and watch movies.
Academic Training
BS Biochemistry, Arizona State University Projected- 2023
Awards and Honors
NSF REM Fellow Arizona State University, 2022
Visiting Scholars
Update Coming Soon
Alumni
Kayla Merker
(she/her)
Graduate Alumni
Academic Training
M.S. Chemistry, Arizona State University, 2022
BS Evolutionary Biology, The University of Arizona 2020
Current Position
Research Assistant- ElectraTect
Jack Tennant
(he/him)
Alumni
Academic Training
BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Georgia 2021
Current Position
Bioprocess Technician, Heliae Development
Raina Semenick
(she/her)
Visiting Scholar Alumni
NSF-REU Fellow, Arizona State University 2022
Ritika Gupta
(she/her)
Undergraduate Alumni
Academic Training
B.S. Medical Studies, 2021
Honors and Awards
Barrett Honors College, Deans List
Current Position
OMS-2 Midwestern University
Kenna McRae
(she/her)
Undergraduate Alumni
Academic Training
B.A. Physics and Global Health and French (Minor), 2021
Certificate in Religion and Conflict, 2021
Honors and Awards
Summa Cum Laude, Barrett Honors College, 2021
Harvard-Amgen Scholar
Current Position
MA in Bioethics and Science Policy at Duke University, 2021-2022