Bio:
Katya Nacheva earned her Ph.D. from the University of South Florida. Her research interests revolve around “click chemistry” as a tool for identifying chemical probes targeting protein-protein interactions associated with apoptosis. During her dissertation research, Dr. Nacheva developed a fluorescence resonance energy transfer probe as a novel biomarker, active for certain types of enzymes (bCAII). The novelty of her research results lead to the publication of two patents related to the application of Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) in the optimization of a multi-component kinetic target-guided synthesis (TGS) – a rapid approach for identifying enzyme inhibitors and protein-protein interaction modulators. In this “target-guided synthesis", the biological target facilitates the reaction between two suitable fragments only if they have affinity and bind to its active site.
In her spare time Dr. Nacheva loves to travel and explore new cultures. She is an avid NPR-listener, appreciates art and all outdoor activities, hiking being her most favorite.