The Gilbert Research Lab at LSU

ABOUT OUR Research

We reduce biology to the macromolecules/nanomachines that interact with the ions, protons, and molecules to perform the dance of life. However, we are systems-minded biochemists who study how molecular events scale up to shape whole pathways and cellular behavior. We begin as reductionist biologists, examining how individual the primary sequence of the amino acid dictate how macromolecules fold, movement occurs, and how new properties emerge as structure and complexity increase. We are especially interested in enzyme mechanisms, interfacial binding, and how the movement and function of proteins are inter-related in living systems.

In our lab, we take a deliberate, iterative approach to science: we value clear hypotheses, careful experimental design, and multiple rounds of analysis and revision.

As a collaborative mentoring team, we prioritize student growth, shared ownership of projects, and transparent recognition of everyone’s contributions. Lab members are involved in all stages of the research process, from brainstorming and troubleshooting to presenting and writing, with the goal of preparing them for independent scientific careers.

Overall, we aim to create a lab culture that balances rigor with curiosity, where we take our work seriously but maintain space for questions, creativity, and genuine enthusiasm for discovery.

OUR Group

The Gilbert Lab is a diverse and dynamic group, consisting of a retiree, graduate students, post-baccalaureate researchers, and undergraduate students. We work hard and have fun along the way—come join us!