Postdoctoral researchers
Katrina Andrews
katrinaandrews[at] ucla [dot] edu
Katrina is originally from the UK and obtained her MSc in Medicinal and Biological Chemistry from the University of Nottingham in 2017. She then spent one year working in hit-to-lead optimisation at a pharmaceutical company in Switzerland before returning to the UK to undertake doctoral studies at the University of Oxford in the group of Prof Stuart J Conway. For her PhD project, Katrina worked on the synthesis and biological evaluation of PROTACs targeting transcriptional coactivator proteins for degradation. In the Backus group, Katrina aims to develop isobaric labelling techniques that will enhance the throughput of chemoproteomic studies. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new places, socialising with friends, and baking.
Chau Ngo
UCLA Chemistry and Biochemistry Teacher-Scholar
cdngo [at] mednet [dot] ucla [dot] edu
Chau received her B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry from the University of California, San Diego in 2016 and 2018. Chau then pursued her doctoral study in Chemistry at the University of Southern California in the laboratory of Professor Chao Zhang. Working in multidisciplinary research at the interface of organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and chemical biology, Chau’s doctoral research mainly focused on the development of potent and selective small-molecule covalent inhibitors against numerous therapeutic proteins for the treatment of human diseases, including COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases. Following the completion of her doctoral study, Chau excitedly joined the laboratory of Professor Backus as a Donald J. Cram teacher scholar. In the Backus lab, Chau is strongly interested in synthesizing new small molecules as chemical tools to study ligandable proteomes and developing mass spectrometry-based chemical proteomics platforms to conduct comprehensive screening and robust target identification. As a teacher scholar, Chau also teaches general and organic chemistry laboratory courses. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, watching tennis, baking, and reading.
Alex Sun
Clinical Fellow
Alex is a clinical fellow in Hematology/Oncology and an alumnus of the UCLA-Caltech MD/PhD program. He received his B.A./M.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Pennsylvania, completed PhD training in organic chemistry with Prof. Brian Stoltz at Caltech, followed by residency training at the Columbia New York Presbyterian Internal Medicine program. He is interested in using proteomics to understand the effects of cysteine modulation in glioblastoma therapeutic development
Graduate Student Researchers
Andrew Becker
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Organic
G5.5
abpalmer [at] g [dot] ucla [dot] edu
Andrew is originally from Santa Ynez, California and attended UC San Diego where he received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He did work relating to the asymmetric synthesis of nonnatural amino acids as well as solid-phase peptide synthesis and then worked as a process chemist for 3 years. Andrew is excited about synthesizing useful molecules for studying biomolecules, small molecule-biomolecule interactions, and developing methods for studying the protein interactome. In his free time he enjoys swimming, running, bodysurfing, beach volleyball, skiing, and reading.
Flowreen Shikwana
Chemistry and Biochemistry
BMSB
Dissertation Year Award
G5.5
fskiwana [at] g [dot] ucla [dot] edu
Flowreen is originally from San Diego, California. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of San Diego where she worked on elucidating biophysical characteristics of a novel small protein involved in the innate immune response. She is now a student in the Biochemistry, Molecular, and Structural Biology (BMSB) program. In the Backus lab, Flow is interested in using chemistry to further characterize and understand inducible protein interactions within the cell. Flow also enjoys hiking, yoga, reading, & baking (& eating) bread.
Miranda Villanueva
MBDIP BBSB
G5.5
CBI Training Grant
Dissertation Year Award
miranda13196 [at] gmail [dot] com
Miranda is from Los Angele but lived in the northeast while she received her B.A. in Chemistry with a concentration in Latina/o Studies from Williams College. She then returned to Los Angeles to work as a research assistant at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles where she investigated the long-term metabolic and behavioral effects of early life stress. Miranda is a graduate student in the Molecular Biology Program (MBIDP). In the Backus lab, she hopes to combine her background in chemistry with her interests in metabolism to develop new approaches to study metabolic regulatory mechanisms. During her free time, Miranda enjoys exploring the California scenery and training her dog
Alexandra Turmon
Chemistry and Biochemistry
BMSB
G5
aturmon [at] g [dot] ucla [dot] edu
Alexandra is originally from San Francisco, CA and received her B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UC Santa Cruz. Post-graduation, she stayed in Santa Cruz working at Unnatural Products as a research associate focused on the synthesis of cyclic peptides as drug molecules. Now a graduate student in the Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology (BMSB) PhD program she is excited for her research in the Backus Lab as it pertains to both using and developing chemoproteomic methodologies to study the functional mechanisms of different biological systems. Outside of science, Alex loves to spend time with friends and family, hiking, crocheting (knitting soon!), caring for her many plants and reading.
Chemistry and Biochemistry
BMSB
G5
aturmon [at] g [dot] ucla [dot] edu
Alexandra is originally from San Francisco, CA and received her B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UC Santa Cruz. Post-graduation, she stayed in Santa Cruz working at Unnatural Products as a research associate focused on the synthesis of cyclic peptides as drug molecules. Now a graduate student in the Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology (BMSB) PhD program she is excited for her research in the Backus Lab as it pertains to both using and developing chemoproteomic methodologies to study the functional mechanisms of different biological systems. Outside of science, Alex loves to spend time with friends and family, hiking, crocheting (knitting soon!), caring for her many plants and reading.
Eli Biletch
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chemical Biology
CBI Training Grant
G4
ebiletch [at] g [dot] ucla [dot] edu
Eli is originally from Boston, MA and received his bachelors degree from Middlebury College in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry along with a minor in Computer Science. At UCLA, Eli is a graduate student in the Chemical Biology specialization of the Chemistry Ph.D. program. In the Backus Lab, he is focused on synthesizing novel molecular tools for understanding the cellular interactome. In his free time, Eli enjoys creating delicious meals to share with friends and family, listening to and composing music, and exploring culture and design through reading and watching.
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chemical Biology
CBI Training Grant
G4
ebiletch [at] g [dot] ucla [dot] edu
Eli is originally from Boston, MA and received his bachelors degree from Middlebury College in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry along with a minor in Computer Science. At UCLA, Eli is a graduate student in the Chemical Biology specialization of the Chemistry Ph.D. program. In the Backus Lab, he is focused on synthesizing novel molecular tools for understanding the cellular interactome. In his free time, Eli enjoys creating delicious meals to share with friends and family, listening to and composing music, and exploring culture and design through reading and watching.
Nithesh Perumal
Chemistry and Biochemistry
BMSB
CMB Training Grant
G3
Nithesh is originally from the bay area and finished his BS in Biochemistry from UC Santa Barbara. After undergrad he worked at Xyphos Biosciences as a Research Associate focusing on CAR-T manufacturing and Antibody Engineering for Solid Tumor indications. Nithesh is Interested in Multi-Omics and developing computational and chemoproteomic approaches to study various biological systems. In his free time free time he enjoys Running, Basketball, and Sports Analytics.
Halime Yilmaz
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chemical Biology
NSF GRFP
G2
Halime is originally from Denver, Colorado. Prior to UCLA she received her B.S. in Chemical Biology and B.S. in Nutritional Sciences Toxicology from UC Berkeley. There she worked on defining rational design principles for molecular glue degraders against cancer therapy targets and identified patterns in linker design of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs). She is passionate about advancing chemoproteomic strategies to gain deeper insights into molecular systems and develop innovative applications. Outside of the lab she enjoys traveling, painting, and hiking.
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chemical Biology
NSF GRFP
G2
Halime is originally from Denver, Colorado. Prior to UCLA she received her B.S. in Chemical Biology and B.S. in Nutritional Sciences Toxicology from UC Berkeley. There she worked on defining rational design principles for molecular glue degraders against cancer therapy targets and identified patterns in linker design of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs). She is passionate about advancing chemoproteomic strategies to gain deeper insights into molecular systems and develop innovative applications. Outside of the lab she enjoys traveling, painting, and hiking.
Aditya Sivakumar
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Organic
G2
Aditya is originally from New Jersey and received his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Rutgers University. At Rutgers, he conducted research in SAR exploration for a potent class of antimalarials, and also worked on developing small molecule redox biosensors. He is currently a graduate student under the organic chemistry specialization in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and is excited to use chemoproteomics to interrogate elusive biological systems. In his free time, Aditya enjoys hiking, reading, and playing tennis.
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Organic
G2
Aditya is originally from New Jersey and received his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Rutgers University. At Rutgers, he conducted research in SAR exploration for a potent class of antimalarials, and also worked on developing small molecule redox biosensors. He is currently a graduate student under the organic chemistry specialization in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and is excited to use chemoproteomics to interrogate elusive biological systems. In his free time, Aditya enjoys hiking, reading, and playing tennis.
Hanna Goldberg
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chemical Biology
G1
Hanna is from Pasadena, California. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Santa Clara University, where she conducted research on peptoid synthesis and nanoparticle stabilization. She is currently a graduate student in the Chemistry Ph.D. program with an emphasis in chemical biology, and is excited about developing chemical tools to study the cellular interactome. Outside of the lab, Hanna enjoys bouldering, crocheting, and baking
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chemical Biology
G1
Hanna is from Pasadena, California. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Santa Clara University, where she conducted research on peptoid synthesis and nanoparticle stabilization. She is currently a graduate student in the Chemistry Ph.D. program with an emphasis in chemical biology, and is excited about developing chemical tools to study the cellular interactome. Outside of the lab, Hanna enjoys bouldering, crocheting, and baking
Master's Students
Sheryl Mak
Chemistry and Biochemistry
MAC student
G2
Sheryl is originally from Hong Kong and earned bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from City University of Hong Kong, where she worked on multi-step organic synthesis of natural products. Currently, she is a Masters of Applied Chemical Science (MACS) Candidate at UCLA. In Backus lab, she synthesizes fluorescent dyes to investigate protein cross-linkage. She hopes to strengthen organic synthesis skills as well as gaining hands-on biological techniques. Outside of lab, she likes listening to music, playing piano and watching Netflix.
Chemistry and Biochemistry
MAC student
G2
Sheryl is originally from Hong Kong and earned bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from City University of Hong Kong, where she worked on multi-step organic synthesis of natural products. Currently, she is a Masters of Applied Chemical Science (MACS) Candidate at UCLA. In Backus lab, she synthesizes fluorescent dyes to investigate protein cross-linkage. She hopes to strengthen organic synthesis skills as well as gaining hands-on biological techniques. Outside of lab, she likes listening to music, playing piano and watching Netflix.
Undergraduates
Avani Pammidimukkala
Undergraduate
Pyschobiology
2026
Avani is a fourth-year Psychobiology major and Global Health minor who became interested in proteomics after taking an introductory biochemistry course. In the Backus Lab, she studies proteoform biology with Alex Turmon. After graduating from UCLA, Avani plans to pursue medical school and hopes to continue research at the intersection of biochemistry and human health. In her free time, she enjoys watching horror movies, trying new food and matcha spots, drawing, and going on nature walks.
Undergraduate
Pyschobiology
2026
Avani is a fourth-year Psychobiology major and Global Health minor who became interested in proteomics after taking an introductory biochemistry course. In the Backus Lab, she studies proteoform biology with Alex Turmon. After graduating from UCLA, Avani plans to pursue medical school and hopes to continue research at the intersection of biochemistry and human health. In her free time, she enjoys watching horror movies, trying new food and matcha spots, drawing, and going on nature walks.
Caroline Canavan
Undergraduate
Biochemistry
2025
Caroline is a fourth-year biochemistry major from Milton, Massachusetts. In the Backus Lab, she works with Alex Turmon on discovering and functionally characterizing cryptic proteoforms. She hopes to pursue a PhD in chemical or molecular biology to contribute to biomedical research in drug discovery and therapeutic development. Outside the lab, she fills her time with dance, cooking, and trying new restaurants.
Undergraduate
Biochemistry
2025
Caroline is a fourth-year biochemistry major from Milton, Massachusetts. In the Backus Lab, she works with Alex Turmon on discovering and functionally characterizing cryptic proteoforms. She hopes to pursue a PhD in chemical or molecular biology to contribute to biomedical research in drug discovery and therapeutic development. Outside the lab, she fills her time with dance, cooking, and trying new restaurants.
Zaid Vellani
Undergraduate
2025
Zaid Vellani is a third year undergraduate and aspiring physician scientist working in collaboration with the Nguyen lab to synthesize novel photoaffinity probes that help characterize the theraputic mechanisms of identified metabolites on Non Alcoholic Liver Disease. In his spare time he loves to play sports, read books, and play with his pet chocolate labrador named Rafa!
Undergraduate
2025
Zaid Vellani is a third year undergraduate and aspiring physician scientist working in collaboration with the Nguyen lab to synthesize novel photoaffinity probes that help characterize the theraputic mechanisms of identified metabolites on Non Alcoholic Liver Disease. In his spare time he loves to play sports, read books, and play with his pet chocolate labrador named Rafa!
Alumni
GSRs
Ashley Julio
2018-2025
Degree: PhD, Biochemistry
Destination: Amgen
Nik Burton
2018-2024
Degree: PhD, Chemistry
Destination: Bridgene Biotech
Lisa Boatner
2018-2024
Degree: PhD, Chemistry
Destination: Momentum Biotechnologies
Heta Desai
2019-2023
Degree: PhD, Molecular Biology
Destination: Moderna
Sunny (Tianyang) Yan
2019-2023
Degree: PhD, Chemistry
Destination: Pfizer
José Omar Castellón
2018-2024
Degree: PhD, Molecular Biology
Destination: Ventura Community College
Maria Palafox
2018-2023
Degree: PhD, Human Genetics
Destination: Postdoc Mt. Sinai
Neil Chan
2018-2020
Degree: Masters, Chemistry
Destination: Revolution Medicines
Ernest Armenta
2018-2020
Degree: Masters, Chemistry
SRAs
Brianna Hill-Payne
2018-2019
Destination: Burslem lab, UPenn PhD Program, Philadelphia, Penn
Postdocs
Lara Holoidovsky
2023-2025
Destination: Ben Gurion University Proteomics Core
Samuel Ofori
2021-2025
Sho Takechi
2021-2023
Destination: Daiichi-Sankyo, Tokyo, Japan
Jian Cao
2018-2020
Destination: Novartis, San Diego, CA
Sean Maddox
2018-2019
Destination: Ampac Fine Chemicals, Sacramento, CA
Undergraduates
Emil Dominguez
2025
Degree: Biochemistry
Destination: Vanderbilt MSTP
Joelle Darrouj
2025
Degree: Biochemistry
Destination: Biotech
Haley Gauer
2025
Degree: Biochemistry
Destination: UCSF PhD Program
Yixin Chen
2024
Degree: Statistics (2024)
Destination: UToronto MS Program
Evan Chen
2023
Degree: Computer Science and Engineering (2022)
Destination: Stanford MS Program
Phillip Kim
2019-2022
Degree: Biochemistry (2022)
Destination: UC Berkley PhD Program
Linwei Li
2019-2022
Degree: Biochemistry (2022)
Destination: Medical School
Stephanie Yen
2019-2022
Degree: Biochemistry (2022)
Destination: Immunity Bio
Nicholas Ung
2019-2021
Degree: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (2021)
Destination: Software Developer
Jeremy Shek
2018-2020
Degree: Biochemistry (2019)
Destination: UCSD PhD program
Jamel Simpson
2019-2020
Degree: Biochemistry (2019)
Destination: University of Virginia PhD program
Ky Tran
2018-2020
Degree: Biochemistry (2019)
Annie Zhou
2018-2020
Degree: Biochemistry (2019)
Destination: UT Southwestern PhD Program
Marina Faragalla
Regent's Scholar
2018-2019
Degree: BA Biochemistry (2019)
Destination: Medical School
Samuel Neubuerger
2018
Degree: BA Biochemistry
Destination: Medical School
Short Term
Tomoyuki Fukuta
Visiting PhD Student (Fall 2023)
Derui Li
CSST Student (Summer 2019)
Destination: PhD Student, Xi David Li Lab
Cindy Cheng
Rotation Student (2019)
Biochemistry Biophysics and Structural Biology (BBSB)
Destination: Graduate student in the Eisenberg lab
Taylor Perkins
Summer Student (2018)
Destination: Graduate student in the Loo lab
Emily Yang
Rotation Student (2018)
Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics
Destination: Graduate student in the Li Lab
Graham Read
Rotation Student (2018)
Gene Regulation, Epigenomics, and Transcriptomics (GREaT)
