Dr. Heba Abourahma
abourahm@tcnj.edu 

Research in the Abourahma lab applies crystal engineering to create pharmaceutical and photoresponsive cocrystals. Instead of employing laborious organic synthesis (covalent bonds), we exploit the hydrogen bond to make two-component crystalline materials known as cocrytals.

Dr. Joe Baker
bakerj@tcnj.edu 

Do you ever wonder how life works at the molecular level? In the Baker Lab, we use supercomputing to explore that question. Our group works on cool puzzles, like how bacterial pili cause infections and what makes barnacle shells so strong and their natural "superglue" so sticky. Our research helps pave the way for new medicines and materials.
You don't need any experience in computing to join our team, just your curiosity! You'll get hands-on experience with coding, AI, and our campus supercomputer ELSA to make your own discoveries. We also travel to conferences and collaborate with scientists from around the world. If this sounds like fun, send me an email or stop by for a chat to learn more! 

Instagram: @bakerlabtcnj

LinkedIn: Joseph Baker

Seeking 1 or 2 students for Spring 2026
Seeking students for MUSE 2026

Dr. Michelle Bunagan
bunagan@tcnj.edu 

The Bunagan lab uses spectroscopy, such as circular dichroism and fluorescence, to characterize the effect of environment on the structure of peptides and proteins. We're interested in an intrinsically disordered protein found in seeds, that forms structure in response to the possible stress experienced during seed formation. Experiments to model these conditions and examine the effect on protein structure enhance our understanding of how these intrinsically disordered proteins function biologically. 

Seeking 1 or 2 students for Spring 2026

Dr. Levi Ekanger
ekangerl@tcnj.edu 

The Ekanger lab seeks to understand the role of metal ions in biochemical contexts. Our biggest project at the moment is studying Fe-containing compounds to model and mimic enzyme function and dysfunction. Specifically, we employ orthogonal techniques (NMR, EPR, HPLC-MS, UV-Vis, synthesis) to understand first- and second-order Fe(III)-thiolate disproportionation near physiologic pH. 

Seeking 1 or 2 students for Spring 2026

Dr. Danielle Guarracino
guarracd@tcnj.edu 

Peptides are an often-untapped resource for potential pharmaceuticals. We create small, cyclic peptides and measure their ability to disrupt a protein-protein interaction involved in the initiation of thrombosis, which is implicated in heart attacks and strokes. 

Dr. Rebecca Hunter
hunterr@tcnj.edu 

The Hunter lab focuses on developing new methods of analysis – many with biological applications – using unique materials such as paper and electrospun nanofibers. Additionally, students in her lab are working to develop and characterize polymers and nanomaterials with antimicrobial applications.

Seeking 1 or 2 students for Spring 2026

Dr. Abby O'Connor
oconnora@tcnj.edu 

Research in the O’Connor lab focuses on the development of more sustainable approaches to the production of chemicals. Companies and academic institutions are increasingly focused on developing more benign and greener catalytic processes to traditional stoichiometric transformations for chemicals and fuels. 

Dr. Gio Parada
paradag@tcnj.edu 

Research in the Parada group focuses on proton-coupled electron transfer reactions of lab made molecules. In one project we mimic the function of metabolic cofactors of oxidoreductases in photosynthesis and respiration. In another project we study intermediates in the synthesis of hydrocarbons from carbon dioxide, acids and electricity. 

Dr. Stephanie Sen
sen@tcnj.edu 

The Sen lab studies the structure and function of proteins involved in the construction and regulation of isoprenoids, with particular emphasis on insect and plant metabolism. This is done by using organic, biological, and computational chemistry methods. 

Seeking 1 or 2 students for Spring 2026