Matthew Demars

Background

About Matthew Demars

I am a highly skilled biochemist with more than a decade of experience in academic research (undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral) and demonstrated proficiency in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, enzymology, biocatalysis, natural products chemistry, and analytical chemistry. My research has focused on investigating the structure, function, and evolution of natural product biosynthetic enzymes from microorganisms and plants that could be leveraged as biocatalysts for the synthesis of important pharmaceutical agents. I have a broad set of technical skills ranging from gene expression in heterologous hosts (bacteria, yeast, plants), protein purification, and molecular phylogenetic inference to biocatalytic reaction design/execution and characterization of complex natural products (LC-MS, NMR). I am excited about embracing new challenges and opportunities in the fields of enzyme engineering and biocatalysis, and I eagerly look forward to applying my knowledge and expertise toward innovative research and development programs in biotech/pharma. My main research interests are in discovering and engineering novel biocatalysts for use in the efficient and sustainable production of fine and commodity chemicals, including APIs, biofuels, materials, nutrients, flavors, fragrances, and cosmetics. As an undergraduate student, I employed directed evolution to engineer enzymes for the site-selective oxyfunctionalization of a therapeutically relevant natural product. My scientific interests as a graduate student came to focus on acquiring a detailed understanding of the mechanisms that microorganisms utilize in constructing complex natural products of medicinal value. Studying how these secondary metabolites are biosynthesized leads to the discovery of unique biocatalysts and enables the development of tools to more easily and sustainably generate these compounds and potential analogs. As a postdoc, I leveraged my background in enzymology and natural products chemistry to investigate the mechanism and evolution of enzymes in the biosynthesis of plant-derived monoterpene indole alkaloids. Exploring how biosynthetic enzymes have naturally evolved can provide useful insight into the factors governing their mechanism, substrate scope, and selectivity properties, further aiding in efforts to engineer them for desired applications. As I move into the industrial sector, I would like to continue working with enzymes and apply the latest advances in enzyme engineering technology to develop sustainable solutions for chemical manufacturing.