The Olshansky lab is a highly interdisciplinary research team. Though we primarily identify as a bioinorganic chemistry group, O-lab research spans biophysics, synthesis, physcial, and engineering.

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Current Project Areas

We currently have two subgroups in the lab, the Bigs and the Smalls. Research projects in these subgroups primarily center on biosynthetically and synthetically prepared systems, respectively. However, for some Bigs projects, there is synthesis involved, and for some Smalls projects, there is biology involved!

Smalls subgroup

(small, synthetically prepared molecules)
Project in the Smalls subgroup focus on creating switchable metal complexes. These constructs mimic the dynamicity observed in natural metallocofactors and have repeatedly given rise to emergent properties not present in analogous rigid constructs. Current projects aim to develop and apply (a) photoswitchable copper complexes for solar energy conversion, (b) switchable magnetic molecules for applications in quantum sensing, (c) model systems for metalloenzyme active sites.
Here are two recent papers from the Smalls subgroup:
Emergent Properties from Dynamicity in Biomimetic Coordination Complexes
Toward Improved Charge Spearation through Conformational Control in Copper Coordination Complexes
Bigs subgroup

(big molecules, like artificial metalloproteins)
The Bigs subgroup designs, prepares, characterizes, and applies artificial metalloproteins (ArMs). We are particularly interested in the ways that protein dynamical motions interface with metallocofactor reactivity. Our research aims to (a) advance fundamental insight into metalloenzyme function and (b) generate real world solutions in catalysis, biomedicine, and bioimaging technologies.
Here are two recent papers from the Bigs subgroup:
Development of a Gln-Responsive MRI Contrast Agent
Mechanistic Interrogationof a PQQ and Rare Earth-Dependent ArM