Congratulations to Dr. Zhong, professor of physics, chemistry, and biochemistry, for receiving the prestigious new MIRA (Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award). This award intends to boost the research of well-established scientists. Dr. Zhong will be funded a total of $2,143,295 within the next five years, beginning on July 1^st.

Dr. Zhong’s research focuses on important aspects of drug transport and design, protein folding and unfolding, and enzyme catalysis. This research is crucial to our understanding of the nature of elementary processes in biological systems. His lab currently uses top-notch femtosecond lasers and tools to specifically study DNA-repair enzymes and photosensory proteins key to the synchronization of biological timing (circadian rhythm). Dr. Zhong says, “An added bonus of this award is that the MIRA funding will allow my research group to focus on new frontiers without too much restriction.”    

To read more about Dr. Zhong’s research, visit here. We look forward to the breakthroughs he’ll provide for the scientific community!