People

Kenichi (Ken) Yokoyama, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, PI
Email: ken.yoko@duke.edu

I am interested in natural product biosynthesis and mode of action as well as the function and mechanism of enzymes.  These biochemical questions shape our unique and highly interdisciplinary programs. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing sports, such as skiing and tennis.

Hai P. Nguyen, Ph.D.                    
Postdoctoral associate
Email: hai.nguyen “AT” duke.edu


I am studying natural product biosynthesis by combining my expertise in synthetic organic chemistry from my graduate study with enzymology and biochemistry. In particular, my project focuses on the mechanism of biosynthesis of mitomycin C, an FDA-approved anticancer drug.  I have also contributed to developing chemical tools to study the mechanisms of fungal cell wall biosynthesis and the action of antifungal drugs.

Anyarat Thanapipatsiri
Postdoctoral associate
Email: anyarat.thanapipatsiri “AT” duke.edu

My current research focuses on biosynthesis and genome mining of nucleoside natural products, particularly in actinobacteria.  I particularly focus on genetic characterization of the biosynthetic pathways, and metabolomics analysis for the genome mining discovery of novel nucleoside natural products. Ultimately, my projects aim to provide knowledge useful for future novel nucleoside drug discovery. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, baking, crafting, sports (e.g., badminton, tennis, swimming), and entertaining my son with indoor and outdoor activities.

Abhishek Chhetri
Postdoc associate
Email: abhishek.chhetri “AT” duke.edu

Research Focus:  I am interested in the enzymological mechanisms of beta-1,3-glucan synthase (GS), an enzyme essential for fungal cell wall biosynthesis, and a proven target of FDA-approved antifungal agents. GS catalyzes the polymerization of Glc using UDP-Glc as a substrate with a mostly unexplored mechanism. I aim to provide insights into the catalytic mechanism through product profiling and the development of small molecule mechanistic probes.

Ya-Nan Du
Postdoc associate
Email: yanan.du “AT” duke.edu

My research focuses on characterizing the biosynthetic pathway of peptidyl nucleoside antifungal antibiotics. Combining the biochemical expertise of my Ph.D., I specialize in studying the enzyme mechanisms during the biosynthesis of polyoxin and nikkomycin. The results will aid furture discovery and development of new PN antibiotis. Outside the lab, I like to cook, watch TV shows, and go shopping.

Lydia Li
Graduate Assistant
Email: di.li288 “AT” duke.edu

My research focuses on characterizing the biosynthetic pathway of the molybdenum cofactor (Moco). Moco is a ubiquitous enzyme cofactor that is crucial for healthy brain development in humans and for virulence in pathogenic bacteria. I aim to employ mechanistic and structural studies of Moco enzyme cofactors, MoaC, to further the understanding of Moco biosythesis. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, skiing, and exploring food across the city.

Bach Nguyen
Graduate Assistant
Email: bach.x.nguyen “AT” duke.edu

The superfamily of radical SAM enzymes has been shown to play a major role in the biosynthesis of various natural products, including ribosomally-synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). I study the functions and mechanisms of such enzymes and their potential applications in antibiotic development. Outside of research, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my partner and my two cats, Holden and Soba.

Elisha Tan
Undergraduate researcher
Email: elisha.tan “AT” duke.edu

My research focuses on the development of peptidyl nucleoside (PN) antifungal antibiotics. PNs exhibit their antifungal activities by inhibiting chitin synthase during fungal cell wall biosynthesis. My goal is to synthesize and discover unnatural PNs more effective than the existing compounds at inhibiting chitin synthases from pathogenic fungi. This would increase its antifungal potency, allowing for medicinal applications of PNs. As a student, I am majoring in Chemistry with a Concentration in Pharmacology, and I am also a member of Duke’s varsity fencing team.

Rachel Qu
Undergraduate researcher
Email: rachel.qu “AT” duke.edu

My research is on the biosynthesis of mitomycin C, a naturally occurring and FDA-approved anti-cancer drug. I am investigating the mechanistic details of the biosynthetic pathway. I’m majoring in chemistry with a concentration in either biochemistry or chemical biology. Outside of research, my other interests include reading books and working on my art.

Previous members
Haoran Pang, Ph.D. (graduate student 2017-2022, currently a postdoc at UC Berkeley)
Matthew Draelos, M.D. Ph.D. (MSTP student 2017-2021, currently an intern at UNC Chapel-Hill)
Edward Lilla, Ph.D. (graduate student 2012 – 2017, currently at the KBI Biopharma)
Anna Loksztejn, Ph.D. (Tri-I MMPTP fellow, postdoc associate 2012 – 2017)
Daniel Dumitrescu (undergraduate student 2015 – 2017, currently a graduate student Yale University)
Brad Hover, Ph.D. (graduate student 2011 – 2015, currently at Lodo Therapeutics Corp.)