Enzymes catalyse virtually all chemical reactions in living organisms, making their rates compatible with life. These proteins (and sometimes RNAs) have evolved to utilize a range of strategies to achieve incredible rate enhancements in comparison with the corresponding non-catalysed reactions. The study of enzymatic mechanisms is fundamental to elucidate how enzymes work in physical and chemical terms, to guide the rational design of inhibitors, and to help engineer new activities. Here we apply techniques of biochemistry and physical organic chemistry to unravel the mechanisms of enzymatic reactions catalysed by bacterial enzymes important for pathogenic bacteria to survive and thrive, and by human enzymes important for cancer cells to survive and spread. Particular emphasis is given to transition-state structure and to the role of protein dynamics in energy barrier crossing.   

Principal Scientist (2012-2014) at Pfizer, Groton, USA

Post-Doctoral Training (2008-2012) at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA

           Adviser: Dr. Vern L. Schramm

PhD in Biochemistry  (2008) at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil

           Adviser: Dr. Luiz A. Basso

MSc in Biochemistry (2005) at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil

           Adviser: Dr. Luiz A. Basso

BSc in Biology (2002) at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil