I am working in the field of the chemical biology of carbohydrates (sugars). In addition to DNA/RNA and proteins, carbohydrates are the third class of biomaterials, involved in all life processes.  My research programs focus on gaining fundamental knowledge of the biological functions of sugars and application of this understanding in biomedical areas.

Very much like the great achievements in the fields of DNA/RNA and proteins in the past century, in the next decades, advances in glycobiology (“glyco” means sugars) and carbohydrates chemistry will create many new businesses, will deliver new and better vaccines, pharmaceuticals and other biomaterials, and will have major impact on our society in general.

Currently, one of basic research programs in my lab is to figure out the detailed biosynthetic mechanism and biogenesis of complex carbohydrate polymers (also called polysaccharides) inside and outside of cells in microorganisms (such as in bacteria), plants and animals. Such knowledge will enable us to follow nature’s footsteps to produce essential polysaccharides and combinations of sugars and proteins (also called glycoproteins). With further pharmaceutical research, these synthetic glycoproteins will be made into vaccines and medicines

I feel that the State of Georgia and GRA have great visions and support for the sciences. Sugar research is especially strong and internationally well known in several universities and research institutes in Georgia. Thus, I am so excited to have a chance to work with my colleagues in Georgia