Dr. Bryce T. Nicholls

Bryce Nicholls’ research interests are in the areas of biocatalysis, organic synthesis, and biochemistry. His research group develops next-generation technologies for chemical synthesis by leveraging, reengineering, and expanding the capabilities of enzymes — nature’s most powerful catalysts.

As the demand for greener, more sustainable manufacturing grows, chemists must create methods that use renewable resources, minimize waste, and avoid toxic reagents. Enzymes, or biocatalysts, are well-suited to green chemistry because they are derived from renewable biomass, are fully biodegradable, offer high selectivity, and operate effectively under mild conditions. Yet, because enzymes evolved to perform specific natural reactions, they are often assumed to be limited to their reactivity. Expanding their catalytic repertoire remains a central challenge in biocatalysis. The research group addresses this by developing methods that broaden the reactivity of robust, commercially available biocatalysts. In doing so, they combine principles from traditional enzymology with state-of-the-art organic catalysis to push the boundaries of enzymatic reactivity.

Nicholls’ multidisciplinary research group is an ideal fit for undergraduate students with interests in organic synthesis, biochemistry, photochemistry, and chemical engineering. Group members gain a strong foundation in small-molecule/enzyme interactions –– knowledge that translates well to medicinal chemistry and the biomedical sciences. Researchers learn core biochemical techniques, such as cloning, protein expression, purification, and directed evolution, while honing their organics synthesis skills through the preparation of substrates and product standards. Above all, members cultivate an inclusive, supportive, and growth-oriented environment for scientific inquiry, where mistakes are embraced as learning opportunities and students are empowered to build their creativity, independence, and critical thinking.