Kalkreuter Lab

Kalkreuter Lab (March 2026)

Postdoctoral Scholars

Postdoctoral Researcher

Cui Guo, Ph.D.

Cui Guo is a postdoctoral researcher from Zhengzhou, China. She received her Ph.D. degree in Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy from the Institute of Microbiology, CAS in 2023, where she performed the research on synthetic biology and natural products.

Graduate Students

Graduate Researcher

Micah Harris

Micah is a second-year graduate student from Melbourne, Florida. He received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of South Florida in 2024 where he performed undergraduate research on discovery of deep-sea natural products.

Graduate Researcher

Ben Sweeney

Ben Sweeney is a second-year graduate student from Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry where he performed undergraduate research on macular degeneration. He is especially interested in protein engineering and drug discovery.

Graduate Researcher

Sarah Taboada

Sarah is a first-year graduate student from Mooresville, North Carolina. She received her bachelor's degree in biochemistry with a minor in biotechnology from North Carolina State University in 2025 where she conducted undergraduate research in synthetic biology and drug discovery.

Researcher

This Could Be You!

Join our lab and bring your unique background to the exciting world of synthetic biology and natural product discovery! We value creativity, enthusiasm, and a collaborative culture that drives innovation. Whether you’re experienced or just starting, you'll contribute to productive research while developing new skills in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate Researcher

Huy Duong

Huy Duong is a first-year undergraduate student and National Merit Scholar at Florida State from Land O’ Lakes, Florida. He is currently pursuing a degree in chemistry and plans to continue his studies in graduate school to earn a PhD. His work is driven by a passionate mixture of genuine interest in the field and a need to satisfy his intellectual curiosity.

Undergraduate Researcher

Emily Eason

Emily is an undergraduate student from Satellite Beach, Florida pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. She has a strong interest in the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying drug action and therapeutic development. Her long-term goal is to earn a PhD in pharmacology and work in drug discovery research.

Undergraduate Researcher

Elizabeth Topanoff

Elizabeth is an undergraduate student from Houston, Texas pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She has a strong interest in laboratory research and product development, with a particular focus on formulation chemistry, molecular interactions, and the physicochemical properties of ingredients used in consumer products. Her long-term goal is to attend graduate school and pursue a career in product research and development.

Undergraduate Researcher

Matthew Vazquez

Matthew Vazquez is a second year undergraduate student from Deland, Florida. He is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in biochemistry and intends to continue his education and earn a PhD.

Undergraduate Researcher

Maynor Zeron

Maynor Zeron was born and raised in Miami. He is majoring in Biochemistry with the hopes of one day obtaining a Ph.D. in Biochemistry.

Researcher

This Could Be You!

Join our lab and bring your unique background to the exciting world of synthetic biology and natural product discovery! We value creativity, enthusiasm, and a collaborative culture that drives innovation. Whether you’re experienced or just starting, you'll contribute to productive research while developing new skills in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Join Us!

We are actively recruiting exceptional graduate students to join the lab!

Areas include:

Synthetic Biology

Chemical Biology

Natural Products

Protein Engineering

Enzymology

Microbiology

Bioinformatics

Structural Biology

Postdoctoral candidates:

Send a cover letter, a CV, and the names of at least two recommenders.

Graduate students:

Reach out directly to schedule a meeting to discuss if and only if you have already been accepted into the program.

If you have not joined the department, please send an application to the department. I cannot directly accept students.

Undergraduate students:

Send a cover letter and a transcript.

Lab Alumni

Former Graduate Students

Asher Paul

(2024 - 2026)

Next: FSU Chemistry Graduate Student

Former Undergraduate Students

Lauren Duenas

(2024 - 2025)

Next: FSU Chemistry Graduate Student

Aubrey McGowan

(2025)

Next: FSU Undergraduate Student

Emma Sharpee

(2025)