Scientist. Problem-Solver. Lifelong Learner
I am Maryam Adeyemo, a Ph.D. researcher in Chemistry at Purdue University. My work is driven by a fundamental question: how can understanding biological molecules at the most detailed level help us solve meaningful problems?
I use structural biology, biochemistry, and biophysics to investigate how proteins are organized, how they interact, and how their molecular properties influence biological function. I am especially interested in research that connects fundamental molecular insight with applications in human health, biotechnology, and other areas where scientific discovery can improve lives.
My Research Today
My doctoral research focuses on the structural and functional characterization of amyloid precursor protein, or APP, a protein closely associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Although APP is widely known as the source of amyloid-beta, many of its normal biological functions remain unresolved.
I am investigating how APP binds copper and whether it contributes to neuronal iron regulation. To address these questions, I combine recombinant protein expression and purification with cryo-electron microscopy, spectroscopy, mass photometry, and biochemical assays. This work requires not only technical precision but also persistence: membrane proteins are difficult to isolate and stabilize, and solving one scientific question often means systematically overcoming several experimental challenges.
During my research and development internship at Corteva Agriscience, I expanded this perspective by applying cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, and cell-based assays to proteins involved in agricultural trait discovery. Working with scientists across different disciplines showed me how structural information can contribute to a larger discovery pipeline—from understanding molecular mechanisms to evaluating potential real-world applications.
Together, these experiences have shaped me into a scientist who is comfortable working across computational, biochemical, structural, and cellular approaches. More importantly, they have taught me to remain curious, adaptable, and thoughtful when solving complex problems.
My Journey into Science
My interest in research began during my undergraduate studies in Biochemistry in Nigeria, where courses in molecular biology, metabolism, and immunology introduced me to the molecular foundations of health and disease. For my undergraduate research, I investigated the neurological effects of tramadol misuse. That experience showed me that scientific research does more than answer academic questions—it can illuminate problems affecting real people and communities.
After completing my bachelor’s degree, I explored different ways of studying disease. I analyzed gene-expression data to identify potential biomarkers for triple-negative breast cancer and later used molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and network pharmacology to investigate possible therapeutic targets and drug candidates for conditions including cancer and infectious diseases. These experiences taught me to approach biological questions from multiple perspectives and strengthened my interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying disease.
As my research developed, I wanted to move beyond predicting molecular interactions to observing and characterizing them experimentally. This led me to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Purdue University, where I am developing expertise in structural biology and biophysics.
Beyond the Laboratory
Science is an important part of who I am, but it is not the whole of who I am.
Outside the laboratory, I enjoy writing poetry, riding bicycle, exploring new ideas, and having meaningful conversations with people from different backgrounds. Writing gives me another way to examine experiences, emotions, and questions that cannot always be captured through experiments and data.
I am also passionate about education, mentorship, and community. My experiences as a first-generation student and an international scholar have made me especially aware of how access, guidance, and a sense of belonging can shape a person’s journey. Over the years, I have taught and supported students, helped welcome international students to Purdue, promoted mental-health awareness, and contributed to initiatives that expand educational and professional opportunities.
Whether I am conducting an experiment, mentoring a student, or writing a poem, I am guided by the same values: curiosity, empathy, service, and a desire to leave things better than I found them.
Looking Ahead
I aspire to build a career at the intersection of scientific discovery and meaningful impact. I am particularly interested in opportunities that allow me to investigate important biological questions, collaborate across disciplines, and translate molecular understanding into solutions in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, or other discovery-driven environments.
My journey has taken me from biochemical research in Nigeria to computational drug discovery, structural biology, and interdisciplinary research in the United States. At every stage, one idea has remained constant: the most meaningful science begins with curiosity, grows through collaboration, and creates value when it helps us understand or improve the world around us.
Contact me
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