Kalkreuter Lab (March 2026)
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.
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.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Jaeyoun Lee, Ph.D.
Jaeyoun Lee is a postdoctoral researcher from South Korea. She received her Ph.D. degree in Natural Products Chemistry from the College of Pharmacy at Yonsei University in 2026. Her research focused on the discovery of microbial natural products, integrating metabolomics and genome mining.
Graduate Students
Graduate Researcher
Micah Harris
Micah is a third-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 third-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 second-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
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
Maggie Salzlein
Maggie is an undergraduate student from Ponce De Leon, Florida pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. She is particularly interested in experimental research and developing drug therapy. She intends to continue her studies in graduate school.
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 an 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.
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.
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
Emma Sharpee
(2025)
Next: PA School
Aubrey McGowan
(2025)
Next: FSU Undergraduate Student
Maynor Zeron
(2024 - 2026)
Next:
Huy Duong
(2026)
Next: FSU Undergraduate Student