Dr. Deepak P Koirala
Associate Professor · Tenured
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences
He/Him/His/Himself
About
I joined UMBC in the Fall of 2020 as a tenure-track assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. I completed my postdoc with Prof. Joseph Piccirilli at the University of Chicago, my Ph.D. at Kent State University, and my master’s and undergraduate studies at Tribhuvan University. My overall research has focused on understanding the structure and function of nucleic acids and uncovering their therapeutic and diagnostic potential. I have published several peer-reviewed papers in high-impact journals, including Nature Chem., Nature Commun., JACS, PNAS, Nucleic Acids Res., and Angewandte Chemie, with some of them being featured on the journal covers. I have received a graduate research award, a University fellowship at Kent State University, a Summer Research Faculty Fellowship at UMBC, and an NSF CAREER award.Research interests
My research interests lie at the interface of Chemistry and Biology, with a long-term goal of understanding biological RNA structures that have the potential to impact human health and disease treatment. My current research focuses on understanding the structures and functions of RNA molecules involved in enteroviral genome replication and translation, exploring opportunities to develop RNA-targeted broad-spectrum antivirals to treat diseases caused by these viruses. My laboratory interconnects Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biology, providing members of my laboratory with an excellent opportunity to learn a wide array of biochemical and biophysical techniques while pursuing cutting-edge research in RNA structural biology.Teaching interests
My academic career has made me passionate about teaching and mentoring. My teaching interests include advanced Biochemistry courses for undergraduates and RNA Structural Biology courses for graduate students. I have been teaching CHEM 490/CHEM 684 – RNA Structure & Function from Fall 2020 to the present and CHEM 437 Biochemistry I from Fall 2021 to the present. I always look forward to creating an inventive learning environment for students, especially those from underrepresented groups, and passing on my knowledge to the next generation of scientists.Education
- Postdoc, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology — The University of Chicago (2020)
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Ph D, Chemistry & Biochemistry
— Kent State University (2014) Mechanochemistry, transition dynamics and ligand-induced stabilization of human telomeric G-quadruplexes at single-molecule level
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MS, Chemistry
— Tribhuvan University (2005) Studies on the determination of fluoride using ion selective electrode