| 1 | Name: | Dr. Laura L. Kiessling | |
| Institution: | University of Wisconsin-Madison; Massachusetts Institute of Technology | ||
| Year Elected: | 2017 | ||
| Class: | 1. Mathematical and Physical Sciences | ||
| Subdivision: | 102. Chemistry and Chemical Biochemistry | ||
| Residency: | Resident | ||
| Living? : | Living | ||
| Birth Date: | 1960 | ||
Laura Lee Kiessling has made significant contributions to define intercelluar communication in bacteria and eukaryotes. Her work has led in the elucidation of carbohydrate biochemistry where she shed light on the importance of carbohydrate-cell surface interactions and on the mechanisms of cellular synthesis of complex carbohydrates. Kiessling was an early pioneer in the application of ring-opening polymerization for the preparation of polymer-glycoside conjugates with precisely defined spacing and length. Her research group provided major insight into the mechanisms by which carbohydrate molecular recognition events control cellular signaling. Her main interest currently is in finding a human lectin that recognizes microbial glycans over human glycans. Kiessling has been a leader in the application of chemical synthesis to dissect important biological questions involving multivalent carbohydrate displays. | |||