Iwata-Reuyl Lab Members

Dr. Dirk Iwata-Reuyl

Professor of Chemistry
Ph.D. | The Johns Hopkins University, 1992
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow 1992-1994, University of Utah

503-725-5737
iwatareuyld@pdx.edu
Research Lab Homepage

Research Interests

Dr. Iwata-Reuyl's research interests focus on problems at the interface of chemistry and biology, and address diverse aspects of protein function, mechanism, structure, evolution, and design. His group employs a multidisciplinary approach that includes enzymology, kinetics, molecular biology, and organic synthesis, and a network of close collaborations allow them to further broaden the scope of their work to include structural biology, computational genomics, genetics, and physiology.

The inspiration for all the research in the lab is the post-transcriptional processing of RNA, specifically the phenomena of nucleoside modification in the maturation of transfer and ribosomal RNA. These processes result in the generation of a rich mosaic of structurally modified nucleosides, and his research group is working to discover the biological roles of nucleoside modification, elucidate the biosynthetic pathways responsible for the formation of these fascinating molecules, and understand the biochemistry of the enzymes making up the pathways. Recently this work has led to the discovery of novel pathways responsible for nucleoside modification of DNA, and his group is actively engaged in studying these systems.

Group Members

Andrew Buckley

PhD Candidate

As a member of the Iwata-Reuyl research group, I study the DpdC-catalyzed conversion of dPreQ₀ to dADG – two structurally complex modified nucleosides found in DNA. Prior to joining the PSU Chemistry Department, I was a graduate student at CSULB where I attempted to incorporate unnatural amino acids into peptides via SPPS. While a Geology/Paleobiology undergraduate at UCLA, I developed an interest in astrobiology that has guided my academic decisions and career plans ever since.

Samanthi Herath Gedara

PhD Candidate

Samanthi is a graduate student in the Iwata-Reuyl lab. Her primary research focus is understanding the formation of 7-deazaguanine based DNA modifications. She is also the graduate assistant in the PSU's Bioanalytical Mass Spectral Facility. Her primary duties include LC-MS/MS instrumentation, assisting training for new users, and assisting investigators with projects involving LC-MS. Samanthi is originally from Sri Lanka. She graduated with a BS in chemistry from Georgia College & State University. She earned her MS in chemistry from Eastern Michigan University. She worked in a biotech company and a pharmaceutical company, before joining the PSU chemistry department as a graduate student. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking Sri Lankan dishes, and traveling.

Erik Scheleen

PhD Candidate

Hello, my name is Erik Scheleen (he/him/his), and I am a first year Master's student in the Dr. Iwata-Reuyl research group. My research is focused on understanding the protein complex and mechanism of the threonylcarbamoyl adenosine modification to tRNA. My background is varied with over 5 years of experience in software development including backend development as well as an undergraduate degree in renewable energy engineering with a primary focus on power systems and controls.

Lab Alumni

Brennan Farrell

M.S. Chemistry | Portland State University, 2021

Dr. Benedict Smail

Ph.D. Chemistry | Portland State University, 2019

Dr. Benjamin Turner

Ph.D. Chemistry | Portland State University, 2017

Dr. Adriana Bon Ramos

Ph.D. Chemistry | Portland State University, 2016

Dr. Christopher Deutsch

Ph.D. Chemistry | Portland State University, 2016

Dr. Vimbai Chikwana

Ph.D. Chemistry | Portland State University, 2011

Dr. Shilah Bonnett

Ph.D. Chemistry | Portland State University, 2007

Dr. Bobby W. K. Lee

Ph.D. Chemistry | Portland State University, 2007

Rowaida al-Eryani

M.S. Chemistry | Portland State University, 2007

Vesna Persun

M.S. Chemistry | Portland State University, 2005

Dr. Steve Van Lanen

Ph.D. Chemistry | Portland State University, 2003

Priya K. Siva

M.S. Chemistry | Portland State University, 2003

Mike Beardall

M.S. Chemistry | Portland State University, 2001

Dr. Sylvia Daoud Kinzie

M.S. Chemistry | Portland State University, 2000

Ph.D. | UCLA, 2005