Postdoctoral researchers
Lara Holoidovsky
Originally from Israel, received her B.Sc, M.Sc and Ph.D in Chemistry from Ben Gurion University of the Negev in laboratory of Prof. Michael M. Meijler. For Ph.D her project worked on developing small diazirine based molecules for deciphering communication between pathogenic species and between pathogens and their hosts. In the Backus lab Lara aims to develop improved multi-omic approaches to target genetic variants.
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.
Samuel Ofori
SOfori@mednet [at] mednet [dot] ucla [dot] edu
Samuel did his Ph.D., in Chemistry, at the University of Kentucky — where he worked on the design of novel small-molecule inhibitors of PPIs. His current research interests lie in hunting for cysteine-reactive chemical probes/inhibitors of novel biological targets. He’d love to live forever.
Graduate Student researchers
José Omar Castellón
Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology
NSF Fellowship
Whitcome Fellowship
G6
joseomar805 [at] gmail [dot] com
A loyal Californian, Jose is from Oxnard, California, obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from California State University, Channel Islands and a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from California State University, Los Angeles. He is currently a graduate student in the Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology (BBSB) home area under the Molecular Biology Interdisciplinary Program (MBIDP). Jose is interested in applying his background in biophysics and protein folding to the field of chemical biology with a particular interest in inhibitor and probe discovery.
Nik Burton
Chemistry and Biochemistry
BTBSE Training Grant
Dissertation Year Fellowship
G5
nrburton [at] g [dot] ucla [dot] edu
Nik is originally from Morehead City, North Carolina. He obtained his B.S. in chemistry from North Carolina State University where he worked on the development of novel synthetic methods. His research interests lie largely in organic synthesis with direct biological application. In his free time, he enjoys working out, drinking coffee, and has recently been getting into climbing.
Ashley Julio
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology
CBI Training Grant
Dissertation Year Fellowship
G5
ajulio [at] g [dot] ucla [dot] edu
Ashley is originally from Santa Barbara, California, and attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, where she obtained a joint bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry. She is a student in the Biochemistry, Structural and Molecular Biology (BMSB) program in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. In the Backus lab, Ashley is excited about using chemistry to probe, modulate, and ultimately better understand biological systems. In her free time she enjoys roller blading, working out, and dancing to country music.
Lisa Boatner
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chemical Biology
Systems Biology Training Grant
Dissertation Year Fellowship
G5
Lisaboatner [at] g [dot] ucla [dot] edu
Lisa attended The University of Texas at Austin where she obtained bachelor degrees in chemistry and computational biology, as well as minors in computer science and business. At UT, she conducted research in functional genomics and electrochemical biosensors. She is currently a chemistry graduate student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. As part of both the Backus and Houk labs, Lisa is interested in characterizing proteins using bioinformatics, computational chemistry, and chemoproteomics.
Andrew Palmer
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Organic
Dissertation Year Award
G4
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
G4
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
G4
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
G3
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
G3
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
G2
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
G2
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
G1
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.
Beatrice Polli
Chemistry and Biochemistry
MAC
G1
Beatrice, originally from Italy, earned her BSc in Biochemistry from King’s College London. During her final year, she joined Dr. James Mason’s lab for her dissertation with the aim of synthesizing an antimicrobial peptide with a fluorescent label and evaluating it for therapeutic use. Currently pursuing her Masters in Applied Chemical Science (M.A.C.S.) at UCLA, Beatrice has joined the Backus Lab to expand her expertise in proteomics and advance her skills in mass spectrometry and peptide library synthesis. Outside of academia, she enjoys going to the cinema, exploring LA with friends, and reading.
Chemistry and Biochemistry
MAC
G1
Beatrice, originally from Italy, earned her BSc in Biochemistry from King’s College London. During her final year, she joined Dr. James Mason’s lab for her dissertation with the aim of synthesizing an antimicrobial peptide with a fluorescent label and evaluating it for therapeutic use. Currently pursuing her Masters in Applied Chemical Science (M.A.C.S.) at UCLA, Beatrice has joined the Backus Lab to expand her expertise in proteomics and advance her skills in mass spectrometry and peptide library synthesis. Outside of academia, she enjoys going to the cinema, exploring LA with friends, and reading.
Visitors
Undergraduates
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Haley Gauer
Undergraduate
Biochemistry
2025
Originally from Los Angeles, Haley has been interested in biochemistry research since high school, and she is especially passionate about organic chemistry and synthesis. After graduating from UCLA, she hopes to continue research at the graduate level. Haley is also active in local politics, serving on the board of Bruin Democrats and Abundant Housing at UCLA. Outside of the lab, she loves cooking, listening to music, and playing water polo.
Haley Gauer
Undergraduate
Biochemistry
2025
Originally from Los Angeles, Haley has been interested in biochemistry research since high school, and she is especially passionate about organic chemistry and synthesis. After graduating from UCLA, she hopes to continue research at the graduate level. Haley is also active in local politics, serving on the board of Bruin Democrats and Abundant Housing at UCLA. Outside of the lab, she loves cooking, listening to music, and playing water polo.
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Joelle Darrouj
Undergraduate
Biochemistry
2025
Joelle is a Biochemistry major who has always had an interest in the chemistry of the human body. She originally had set her goals towards pharmacy school, but is leaning towards getting a PhD in organic/medicinal chemistry or pharmacology. In the Backus Lab, she enjoys learning more about the proteome and how to potentially find druggable targets. In her free time she enjoys baking with her friends, making friendship bracelets, and crocheting plushies.
Joelle Darrouj
Undergraduate
Biochemistry
2025
Joelle is a Biochemistry major who has always had an interest in the chemistry of the human body. She originally had set her goals towards pharmacy school, but is leaning towards getting a PhD in organic/medicinal chemistry or pharmacology. In the Backus Lab, she enjoys learning more about the proteome and how to potentially find druggable targets. In her free time she enjoys baking with her friends, making friendship bracelets, and crocheting plushies.
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Emil Dominguez
Undergraduate
Biochemistry
2024
Emil is a Biochemistry major from the San Gabriel Valley, CA. He transferred to UCLA from Rio Hondo College in the Fall of 2022. While at Rio Hondo College, Emil pursued natural product total synthesis research in the Kou Laboratory at the University of California, Riverside. He is interested in studying chemical biology to increase the druggable proteome. In his free time, Emil volunteers at Emanate Health Hospital in the COPE Health Scholars program, is a course instructor for the Prison Education Project, and is the UCLA SACNAS undergraduate representative
Emil Dominguez
Undergraduate
Biochemistry
2024
Emil is a Biochemistry major from the San Gabriel Valley, CA. He transferred to UCLA from Rio Hondo College in the Fall of 2022. While at Rio Hondo College, Emil pursued natural product total synthesis research in the Kou Laboratory at the University of California, Riverside. He is interested in studying chemical biology to increase the druggable proteome. In his free time, Emil volunteers at Emanate Health Hospital in the COPE Health Scholars program, is a course instructor for the Prison Education Project, and is the UCLA SACNAS undergraduate representative
Alumni
GSRs
Heta Desai
2019-2023
Degree: PhD, Molecular Biology
Destination: Moderna
Sunny (Tianyang) Yan
2019-2023
Degree: PhD, Chemistry
Destination: Pfizer
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
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
Medical Students
Alex Sun
2020-2021
Destination: Residency, Columbia University
Undergraduates
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)
