Jennalise Ellis
Chemistry; Chemical Biology Cluster
Jennalise (Jenna) pursued her academic journey at Kalamazoo College after spending her early years in metropolitan Detroit. There, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry and German, focusing on natural product synthesis.
To gain practical experience, Jenna participated in summer chemistry internships at renowned institutions such as Wayne State University, Friedrich-Alexander University in Germany, and Bridge Organics. These internships expanded her knowledge in medicinal, inorganic, and organic chemistry.
Driven by her passion for chemical biology and protein kinases, Jenna joined the Soellner lab. Currently, her research focuses on bivalent inhibition of Abl kinase and the development of an allosteric inhibitor for Src kinase. She aims to contribute to the understanding of chemical biology in protein kinases and explore potential therapeutic opportunities.
Beyond her scientific pursuits, Jenna finds joy in spending time with her beloved canine companion, Rigby. She also engages in board games, gardening, and ambitious DIY home renovation projects.