The Nilsson Group

Bradley Nilsson conducted PhD studies in organic chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with Professor Ronald T. Raines studying methodology for the chemoselective ligation of peptides. He subsequently completed postdoctoral research in synthetic organic chemistry with Professor Larry E. Overman at the University of California, Irvine. He joined the faculty of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Rochester in 2006. The Nilsson group is interested in molecular recognition and self-assembly phenomena of peptides and proteins leading to amyloid and in the development of amyloid-inspired materials and therapeutics.

Elena grew up in Hilton, NY and received a B.S. in Biochemistry with a focus in chemistry at the State University of New York at Fredonia. In their time there they studied nematode pheromone structure with an emphasis on NMR spectroscopy. Elena now studies the self assembly of small molecules and amphipathic peptides into hydrogels.

Melissa grew up in West Haven, CT and received a BS in Biology and Chemistry from Southern Connecticut State University. During her undergraduate career, she actively participated in research projects in the fields of mammalogy, paleontology and organic synthesis. Melissa's current research focuses on improving siRNA delivery for the treatment of ARDS and the use of peptide nucleic acids for biological applications. Outside of the research lab, Melissa is a dedicated CrossFit athlete, training 6 - 7 days per week at CrossFit RSG. Melissa has participated in multiple CrossFit competitions including the past two CrossFit Opens. She also enjoys spending down time with her husband, Abele, and two guinea pigs, Henry and Jack.

Francine, originally from Ft. Lauderdale, FL, spent the majority of her life in Syracuse, NY. She received her B.S. in Biochemistry with a minor in History from Le Moyne College in 2018. She began her graduate studies at the University of Rochester in 2018. Francine now studies peptides for aggregation of blood platelets along with self assembly of amyloid-like peptides. Francine is a trainee on the Chemistry-Biology Interface (CBI) Training Program funded by the NIH.

Hannah grew up in Chili, New York and received her B.S. in Biochemistry from Roberts Wesleyan College in 2018. In her time there she did research using nanoparticles to inhibit bacterial growth. After graduating, she took a year off and worked in the quality control lab for O-At-Ka Milk Products in Batavia, NY. She began her graduate career at the University of Rochester in 2019.

Chris Jones grew up in Fulton, NY and received a B.S. in biochemistry from Nazareth College in 2019. While there, his research involved conducting structural activity relationships of pyridine-based small molecules with divalent metal cations. He began his graduate studies at the University of Rochester in 2019, where he is studying amphipathic peptides.