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.
Abhishek Chhetri
Postdoc associate
Email: abhishek.chhetri “AT” duke.edu
Research Focus: I am interested in the enzymological mechanisms of β-1,3-glucan synthase (GS) and chitin synthase (Chs), enzymes essential for fungal cell wall biosynthesis, and a proven target of antifungal agents. These enzymes catalyze the sugar polymerization and extrude the product polymers across the membrane. I aim to provide insights into the mechanisms of catalysis, function, and inhibition.
Wen Xi
Postdoc associate
Email: wen.xi “AT” duke.edu
I’m currently studying the microbiology of RiPPs biosynthesis and their biological functions. I also work on the mechanisms by which Mucorales fungi suppress host immune responses. Outside of research, I like tinkering, cooking, and spending time with my family.
Han Phan
Postdoc associate
Email: han.phan “AT” duke.edu
I am currently studying functions and mechanisms of metalloproteins involved in the biosynthesis of antifungal natural products. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing video games and trying out new cuisine.
Bach Nguyen
Graduate Student
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.
Travis Richard
Graduate Student
Email: travis.richard “AT” duke.edu
Enzymes of the radical SAM superfamily have been shown to be crucial for the biosynthesis of a wide array of natural products. I am interested in the mechanisms of catalysis in these enzymes. Outside of research, I enjoy participating in local theater organizations and reading fiction.
Steven Duan
Undergraduate Student
Email: steven.duan “AT” duke.edu
Steven studies chitin synthases (Chs) from a pathogenic fungus, Candida albicans. Chs is essential for chitin biosynthesis in fungal cell walls and is a proven target of several antifungals. However, existing compounds are not sufficiently potent against some of the most prevalent pathogens, such as C. albicans. Thus, Steven is performing a structure-guided optimization of the existing Chs inhibitors.
Cristina Chung Kim
Undergraduate Student
Email: cristina.chungkim “AT” duke.edu
Cristina studies the discovery and biosynthesis of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). To this end, she is performing heterologous expression, purification, and structural characterization of the RiPPs.
Previous members
Postdocs
Anyarat Thanapipatsiri, Ph.D. (2018-2026)
Yanan Du, Ph.D. (2021-2025, currently an assistant professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and will be promoted to tenure-track associate professor)
Hai Nguyen, Ph.D. (2017 – 2024, currently an assistant professor at South Dakota School of Mines)
Hilda Sucipto, Ph.D. (2016-2017)
Anna Loksztejn, Ph.D. (Tri-I MMPTP fellow, 2012 – 2017)
Graduate students
Di Li, Ph.D. (Biochemistry, 2020-2025, currently a senior scientist at Boehringer Ingelheim)
Haoran Pang, Ph.D. (Biochemistry, 2016-2022, currently a postdoc at UC Berkeley)
Matthew Draelos, M.D. Ph.D. (MSTP, 2017-2021, currently a residence at Duke University School of Medicine)
Edward Lilla, Ph.D. (Biochemistry, 2012 – 2017, currently at the KBI Biopharma)
Brad Hover, Ph.D. (Biochemistry, 2011 – 2015, postdoc at Rockefeller University. Current position: Executive Director of Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund)
Undergrad students (senior thesis)
Dmitry Kozhanov (Chemistry major, 2023-2025, currently a graduate student at University of Georgia, Athens)
Yimo Yang (visiting undergrad student, 2023-2024, currently a graduate student at UC Irvine)
Elisha Tan (Chemistry major, 2021-2024, currently a medical assistant at a dermatology clinic in Massachusetts)
Rachel Qu (Chemistry major, 2021-2024)
Daniel Dumitrescu (Chemistry major, 2015 – 2017, graduate student at Yale University, currently a postdoc at Caltech)
