Shuaihua Gao, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (2023-present)

Tulane University, New Orleans, LA.

Education

B.S. Pharmaceutical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology (2009-2013)

Graduate Researcher, Biophysical Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, (2016-2018). Advisor: Judith P. Klinman.

Ph.D. Chemical Engineering and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology (2013-2018). Advisor: Guojun Zheng

Postdoctoral Researcher, Biophysical Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, (2018-2023). Advisor: Judith P. Klinman.

Email: sgao11@tulane.edu

Biosketch

Dr. Shuaihua Gao obtained a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Engineering from the Beijing University of Chemical and Technology where she did her undergraduate research with Prof. Guojun Zheng. During her undergraduate years, she studies the application of gamma-lactamase for the biosynthesis of anti-HIV drugs. After finishing her B.S., she started her PhD under the guidance of Prof. Guojun Zheng. Her PhD work focused on using microbial screening and genome mining methods to identify novel gamma-lactamases used for enantioselective reactions in preparation of anti-HIV drugs. In particular, she developed a high throughput colorimetric screening method for lactamase identification and protein engineering.

Dr. Gao joined Judith Klinman lab after finishing her PhD work within 3 years. In Klinman lab, she switched gears from translational science to basic science where she studied the fundamental and physical basis of enzyme catalysis. After obtaining her PhD, Dr. Gao returned to Klinman lab as a postdoc to continue studying the significance of protein dynamics in enzyme catalysis. She developed temperature dependent hydrogen deuterium exchange couple to mass spectrometry (TD-HDX-MS) to investigate the correlation between protein dynamics and enzyme efficiency.

Gao started her independent career in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Tulane University in summer 2023. By integrating pharmaceutical chemistry, biochemistry, enzymology, protein engineering and bioinformatics, the Gao lab is tackling the problems in the world of both translational and basic science.