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

  • 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 
  • Undergraduate Research presentations
    Our undergraduates (Michael Vrionides, Neveah Hutchins, and Arjun Ahuja) presented an impressive array of posters at the 2025 Undergraduate Frontiers Exhibition.