Katherine M. Davis

Principal Investigator

Pronouns: she/her/hers

After formal coursework in physics and mathematics, Kate pursued doctoral research under Prof. Yulia Pushkar (Dept. of Physics) at Purdue University where she used X-ray spectroscopic techniques to characterize catalytic mechanisms of natural and artificial photosynthetic reaction centers by monitoring the structural and electronic changes associated with turnover.

Vatsal Purohit

Member since Spring 2022

Pronouns: he/him/his

I grew up in Bangalore, India and moved to Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Physics with a minor in Mathematics and Biology. During this time, I worked as an undergraduate researcher for Dr. Yulia Pushkar and assisted with projects specializing in time-resolved spectroscopic studies that elucidated the water-splitting reaction mechanism in the Photosystem II complex and several Ruthenium-based artificial catalysts. My undergraduate studies drew me to stick with biophysical research and I decided to stay back at Purdue to pursue my PhD in the Department of Biological Sciences through the Inter-Disciplinary Life Sciences program. During my PhD, I worked with Dr. Cynthia Stauffacher and my project was centered around developing and applying a pH-jump triggering approach to observe the reaction mechanism of bacterial HMG-CoA reductase using time-resolved crystallography. My research experiences have made me passionate about developing novel methods that build upon the current biophysical capabilities for studying enzymatic mechanisms, thus leading me to the research being pursued at the Davis lab. Besides science, I enjoy music, films, podcasts and reading.

Kirklin (Kirk) McWhorter

Member since Spring 2020

Pronouns: he/him/his

I was born and raised in Alabama and moved to Atlanta once graduate school started. At Auburn University, I graduated with a bachelor’s in biochemistry and a minor in philosophy. My undergraduate work included studying catalase-peroxidase, a heme-dependent enzyme, and my current work is focused on devising optimal time resolution for reaction monitoring in crystallized metalloenzymes. Besides science, I like to stay active in philosophy and novel reading, love singing, and when I can I love to play some video games.

Samantha (Sam) Horwitz

Member since Fall 2020

Pronouns: she/her/hers

I grew up near Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from Kent State University with a B.S. in Chemistry and a minor in English in 2020. In undergrad, my research focused on the synthesis and crystallographic characterization of novel inorganic compounds, but I also spent time as an editor for one of my school’s annual literary and art magazines, Brainchild. My current work in the Davis lab involves the development of time-resolved X-ray crystallography and spectroscopy methods for studying metalloenzyme dynamics in crystallo. When I’m not in lab, I’m usually playing or recording music with my  band Indigo Bunting, rereading Harry Potter for the 20^th time or cooking vats of vegetarian curries.

Benjamin (Ben) Dratch

Lidia Waidmann

Gabe DeLong

Member since Fall 2022

Pronouns: he/him/his/they/them/theirs

Hey, I’m Gabe! I grew up in rural Pennsylvania outside of Allentown. I graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA with a BS in Biochemistry and a minor in Spanish. During my undergraduate research in the Willets lab, I worked with gold nanosphere lithography, gold nanorod synthesis, and sample preparation of DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticle arrays. Outside of chemistry, I love astrology, horror movies, and Charli XCX.

Tiffany Alvarez

Member since fall 2023

Pronouns: she/her/hers

I am from Cartersville, GA. I graduated from Berry College in 2020 with a B.S.
in Biochemistry. I then decided to continue my education and graduated from
University of San Francisco in 2023 with an M.S. in Chemistry. My project
during my time at USF involved quantifying the thermodynamics of Cu(II)
binding to the antimicrobial peptide PG-KI using isothermal titration
calorimetry (ITC). My hobbies include doing yoga, shopping, and going to
coffee shops.

Jesus Vazquez Hernandez

Member since fall 2023

Pronouns: he/him/his

I was born in Mexico and was brought to the USA when I was five years of age. From then until I left for college, I lived in Houston, Texas. For my undergraduate education, I attended Lycoming College, a small liberal arts college in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. In college, I developed a love for the outdoors. Due to this, some of my favorite hobbies are hiking, rock climbing, and camping. One of my favorite research experiences was working for Dr.  Booker at Penn State for an REU. In the Booker lab, I worked on Class B radical S-adenosylmethionine methylases, which use cobalamin as a cofactor to methylate unactivated carbon centers. Some areas of research I am interested in pursuing in the Davis Lab are continuing to work with radical S-adenosylmethionine enzymes and spectroscopy techniques.

Drisha Sehgal

Member since Spring 2024

Pronouns: she/her/hers

I finished my master’s degree in Physics with a minor in Science Education from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research(IISER) Mohali, India. I did a variety of research during my undergrad and finished my thesis in a quantum optics group where I coupled a nanostructure with NV centers to tune their emission. In the Davis lab I work on time resolved crystallography and develop methods to study metalloenzymes. I am passionate about interdisciplinary research and like to combine topics in physics, chemistry and biology in my research. Outside of my research work I enjoy reading, writing, listening to music and cooking.

Yuna Chang

Member since fall 2024

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hi, I was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. I graduated from Sookmyung Women’s University with a B.E. in Applied Physics and a B.S. in Chemistry. During my undergraduate studies, I conducted research on enhancing the efficiency of perovskite solar cells and attempted to fabricate single-crystal perovskite thin films. In my free time, I love cooking, baking, and crocheting. In the Davis lab, everyone from diverse background is welcomed, just like me.

Abbas Khambatti (EC ’25)

Member since fall 2023

Pronouns: he/him/his

I’m Abbas Khambatti, undergraduate student, Chemistry major, Philosophy Minor at Emory University. I grew up in Louisiana, and came to Emory to pursue an interest in protein modeling and conformational studies. I’m a huge fan of sci-fi and fantasy media.

Varun Karry (EC ’26)

Member since spring 2023

Pronouns: he/him/his

Hi, I’m Varun! Originally from Edison, NJ, I am currently studying Chemistry and Applied Mathematics. I have an interest in exploring the intersection of all the sciences and gaining a deeper understanding of how enzymes facilitate the reactions that they catalyze, particularly those with implications for medicine and drug development. When I’m not in the lab, you can find me singing in the Emory Concert Choir or performing with my a cappella group!

Lorenzo Layug (EC ’26)

Member since spring 2023

Pronouns: he/him

Hello! I’m Lorenzo and I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. I joined the Davis Lab because I really love applying my knowledge across the sciences to understand structure-function relationships in enzymes. If you see me outside of lab, I’m probably solving different kinds of Rubik’s cubes or hanging out with my friends at the Filipino Student Association.

Madeline (Maddie) Garcia (EC ’26)

Member since fall 2023

Pronouns: she/her

Hi! I’m Maddie and I’m originally from Kansas City, Kansas. I am currently pursuing a double major in biophysics and chemistry. I am interested in the physical modeling and properties of biomolecular structures with specific emphasis on DNA gene expression. Outside of academics, I enjoy finding new coffee shops around ATL, going to concerts or music festivals, and reading.

Ryan Jones (EC ’26)

Member since spring 2024

Pronouns: he/him/his

Hey everyone! My name is Ryan Jones, and I am from Darien, Connecticut. I am an undergraduate student majoring in Chemistry, and I am on the pre-med track. I have an interest in the focus of biophysical chemistry, specifically in protein characterization and solving 3D structures. In my free time I can be found at the gym lifting weights, playing basketball, or spending time with my friends.

We saved you a spot!

Interested in joining the team?

The Davis Lab accepts rotation students as part of the chemistry graduate program. Apply to the graduate program!

Undergraduate researchers should reach out to Kate directly. For tips about getting involved in undergraduate research in chemistry, check out the Undergraduate Research Information Guide. Unfortunately, we are cannot accommodate new undergraduate scholars at this time. Please check back again later.