Prof. Kienzler, Thumali, and Theo attended the Sophion ICMS Conference in New York, joining researchers and scientists from across the ion channel research community to share scientific advances, exchange ideas, and explore emerging developments in ion channel biology and drug discovery. A highlight of the conference was the opportunity for our group members, Theo and Thumali, to present their research, showcasing ongoing work from the Kienzler Research Group. Their presentations provided an opportunity to share our group’s research contributions, engage with fellow scientists, and receive valuable feedback from the broader scientific community.

We are proud of Theo and Thumali for representing the group and contributing to this important scientific gathering!

We welcome new undergrads to the team: Lily, Beka. Niel, Pritam, Jessica and grad student Dylan! Great to have you on-board

Congratulations to Anna on presenting her work on photoswitchable analogs of NF 110 that modulates receptors in oral pain at the fall 2026 Fontiers.

Emmanuel, Himanshu, and Dr. Kienzler visited Northeastern University to meet with our collaborators in the Lopez Lab. The visit provided an excellent opportunity to discuss our collaborative research on light-induced ring strain in photoswitchable molecules, exchange scientific ideas, and strengthen the partnership between our research teams.

Dr. Kienzler recently visited the University of Nice to meet with our collaborators in the Sandoz Lab. The visit provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen our ongoing research partnership, discuss shared scientific goals, and explore future directions for collaboration. We are excited about the continued exchange of ideas and expertise between our teams as we work together to advance innovative research at the interface of chemistry and biology.

 

The Kienzler lab welcomes 4 new undergraduate researchers: Jaylor, Vincent, David,  and Noah, as well as graduate student Thumali! We are excited to have you on board!

Emmanuel  (current President of the UConn Green Chemistry Initiative) and Theo  (current GCI Outreach Coordinator) represented the University of Connecticut at the ACS Green Chemistry Institute Pharmaceutical Roundtable: Driving Sustainability in Pharma and Allied Industries held in Cambridge, MA. Both Emmanuel and Theo presented their research during the poster session, showcasing their ongoing scientific contributions and engaging with leaders from academia and industry reflecting the lab’s continued commitment to engaging with the broader scientific community.

This summer, our group was delighted to host Dylan,  an REU student from St. Joseph university,  who joined us to gain hands-on research experience. Over the course of the program, Dylan contributed to ongoing projects in the lab and developed valuable skills in organic synthesis, photopharmacology  and scientific communication.

He wrapped up his time with us by presenting a poster showcasing his research accomplishments, highlighting both his hard work and the progress he made during the summer. We thank Dylan for his dedication and enthusiasm, and we wish him the very best in his future scientific endeavors (including coming back to work more in the lab with us)!

We’re excited to share that members of the Kienzler Lab—Emmanuel, Samuel, Theo, and Himanshu—recently attended and presented at the 2025 GRS/GRC Conference on Artificial Molecular Switches and Motors, held in New London, New Hampshire, contributing to lively discussions on light-responsive systems, dynamic molecular tools, and next-generation switches for a wide array of applications. Each member showcased ongoing work from the lab, representing our latest innovations in photopharmacology, photoswitch design, and photoswitch applications.

It was a fantastic week of science, collaboration, and community at the forefront of molecular motion!

While part of our lab traveled to New London, NH, for the Gordon Research Conference on Artificial Molecular Switches and Motors, the rest of the team stayed closer to home and attended the ACS Connecticut Valley Section Organic Chemistry Symposium at Connecticut College in New London, CT.

At the symposium, Claire presented a poster on her latest research, sharing results and engaging with the broader organic chemistry community. It was a great opportunity to showcase the diversity of our projects and represent the lab at two important meetings happening at the same time!