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.

Seeking 2 or 3 students for Fall 2025

Dr. Joe Baker
bakerj@tcnj.edu 

Have you ever wondered how the smallest parts of life work? In the Baker Lab, we use the power of supercomputers to answer those questions. We figure out how bacteria move, cause infections, and even how we might outsmart them. We also use computer models to understand how we can design amazing new materials inspired by nature. In our lab you'll learn to code, build models, use a supercomputer, and make real discoveries relevant to areas like biochemistry, biophysics, and biology, alongside me and our team. You'll also have opportunities to present at conferences, collaborate with scientists around the world, and to build a strong foundation in computational science including the use of AI and machine learning. Also, there is no experience needed – just a passion for science! So if you are interested to learn more, please reach out by email or stop by to chat! 

Seeking students for MUSE 2025

Seeking 2 to 4 students for Fall 2025

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 Fall 2025

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 student for Fall 2025

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. 

Seeking 2 students for Fall 2025

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 Fall 2025

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. 

Seeking 1 or 2 students for Fall 2025

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. 

Seeking students for MUSE 2025

Seeking 3 students for Fall 2025

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.