About

The Kienzler Lab is broadly interested in using light to induce reversible chemical changes, and we specialize in the application of photoswitches to make light-modulated tools. Our current projects focus on creating and applying azobenzene ligands targeted toward specific cell-membrane bound protein receptors and ion channels. A parallel interest in the group is using organic synthesis to make new azobenzene derivatives (along with other organic photoswitches) with prescribed photochemical properties.

Kienzler Lab News

  • Group Outing to Yale’s Peabody Museum
    The Kienzler lab took a break from the bench for a day of science, history, and good food in New Haven. We spent the afternoon exploring the recently renovated Yale Peabody Museum, where we took in fascinating exhibits ranging from ancient fossils to Indigenous artifacts and biodiversity displays. After soaking in the natural history, we […]
  • Congratulations to Khushi!
    Our ARM student from Glastonbury High School, Khushi, successfully completed her research study and presented her work at the Annual STEMposium held at her school.
  • Congratulations to Jose Matute!
    Congratulations to Jose Matute on receiving the award for best short talk at the 2025 Connecticut Valley/Central Massachusetts ACS undergraduate research symposium