The Kizer Lab aims to create an interdisciplinary team of aspiring and junior scientists from all backgrounds and disciplines.
Megan E. Kizer
Principal Investigator, She/Her/Hers
megan_kizer@brown.edu
GeoChem 325
Megan is an Assistant Professor in the Chemistry Department at Brown University, where her research in chemical biology focuses on the role of complex carbohydrates in human health and disease. Megan received her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Binghamton University, where she investigated the role of nuclear pore proteins in cargo trafficking. When starting graduate studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Megan transitioned her research interests to chemistry and chemical biology where she focused on developing nucleic acid nanostructures as drug delivery tools, microfluidic-based cell delivery systems, protein probes for detection of cell division DNA structural motifs, and RNA aptamers against glycosaminoglycans. She then moved to MIT where she received the NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein postdoctoral fellowship, and developed a directed evolution platform to generate proteins that selectively bind glycan antigens and epitopes. At Brown, Megan is excited to continue developing these research areas towards glycan-focused technologies that enable detection, synthesis, and understanding of complex carbohydrates.
In her free time Megan enjoys climbing, cooking, drumming, and hanging out with her cats!
Kate Gilbert
Graduate Student
I am Kate Gilbert, a PhD student in the Chemistry department. I am originally from Gorham, Maine, and I graduated from Roger Williams University with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a B.S. in Applied Mathematics. I joined the Kizer lab looking to be an interdisciplinary researcher, bridging gaps between biology, chemistry, data science, and more. I’m interested in the application of these fields to glycotechnology and its use in vaccinations. When I’m not in the lab, I love to dance, paint, and play with my dog, Franklin!
Miguel Martinez
Graduate Student
I am Miguel Martinez, a PhD student in the Chemistry Department. I grew up not too far from campus in Providence, Rhode Island, and I graduated nearby from Rhode Island College with a double major in Biology and Chemistry. My undergraduate research was focused on protein expression and purification. At Brown, I am interested in protein engineering and chemical biology, where I bring my strengths in biology and chemistry to better understand protein-carbohydrate interactions. Outside of lab I love to lift weights, read, and bake.
Simone Duran-Nyers
Graduate Student
I’m Simone, a first year PhD student in the Chemistry Department! My hometown is San Dimas, CA and I graduated from Hawaii Pacific University in 2023 with a B.S. in Marine Biology. My undergraduate research focused on marine natural products chemistry as well as translational research. I chose to go to graduate school to further pursue my passion for multidimensional research – and the Kizer lab does just that! My area of interest within the lab is the nanostructured glycan based vaccine candidates. Aside from science, I enjoy being out in nature, singing, and going to the movies!
Izzy Nagle
Graduate Student
I’m Izzy, a first year PhD student in the Chemistry Department. I grew up in Needham, MA and I graduated from Colorado College in 2023 with a B.A. in Biochemistry. My undergraduate research experiences spanned from RNA biochemistry to porphyrin-based oxygen sensing devices. In my graduate studies, I am excited to explore interdisciplinary and translational research. Within the Kizer Lab, I am interested in utilizing the proteins developed through the directed evolution pipeline for therapeutic applications. Aside from research, I enjoy anything that is active and takes place outside! I also love to travel, knit, and see live music.
Sofia Mrwoka
Undergraduate, ’25
Hi! My name is Sofia Mrowka and I am a third-year undergraduate studying Applied Math Biology and Public Health from Cambridge, Massachusetts. I am interested in research that brings mathematics, medicine and biochemistry together and will be working on the Use & Understand project. Outside of the lab I enjoy hanging out with my cats, baking, and drawing.
Tyler Rose
Undergraduate, ’26
Hi! I’m Tyler (co. ‘26) from Smithfield, Rhode Island. I’ll be concentrating in Chemistry on the Chemical Biology track, with plans for a future in research. I adore organic chemistry, and want to further explore the interface of synthetic and analytical organic chemistry with human biology. Outside of chemistry, I enjoy running, classical music, and everything Nintendo!
Johanna Leang
Undergraduate, ’26
Hi! My name is Johanna Leang and I’m a second-year undergraduate studying Biochemistry and Public Health from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I’m interested in the intersection between chemistry and biology and its unlimited applications in various fields, particularly pharmacology. In my free time, I love hanging put with friends, watching funny cat videos, and overanalyzing films.