Below is a synopsis of Levi’s academic path to TCNJ
Assistant Professor, Chemistry, TCNJ
Postdoctoral Scholar, Bioinorganic Chemistry, Caltech
Ph.D., Inorganic Chemistry, Wayne State
B.S., Chemistry (ACS) with Mathematics minor, NMU
Assistant Professor
The College of New Jersey
2019 - present
At TCNJ, Levi is building a bioinorganic research program with a particular emphasis on Fe coordination chemistry in biomimetic complexes and bacterial metalloenzymes. The Ekanger laboratory has discovered kinetic and electrochemical trends in the disproportionation of Fe(III)-thiolate intermediates. We are also interested in envisioning new antibiotics, and are applying fragment-based drug discovery to a bacterial metalloenzyme involved in nitrosative stress response.
Postdoctoral Scholar
California Institute of Technology
2016 - 2019
While a postdoc, Levi studied iron-sulfur cluster chemistry of DNA-processing enzymes E. coli endonuclease III and S. cerevisiae DNA polymerase epsilon. Studying the iron-sulfur cluster nitrosylation of endonuclease III lead to the discovery of an iron nitrosyl complex previously unreported for endonuclease III and a large (~800 mV) shift in the reduction potential of the protein. Studies on DNA polymerase epsilon revealed reversible modulation of DNA polymerase activity through redox chemistry specific to its iron-sulfur cluster.
Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry
Wayne State University
2012 - 2016
While a graduate student, Levi studied the europium(II/III) redox couple within the context of redox-active contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging. These studies lead to the discovery that the europium(II/III) redox couple can be used as an on/off redox switch for imaging tissues. A proof-of-concept result revealed the europium(II/III) redox couple can differentiate necrotic from non-necrotic tissue within a tumor.
B.S. in Chemistry (ACS) with Mathematics Minor
Northern Michigan University
2008 - 2012
While an undergraduate student, Levi performed a variety of research experiences spanning physics, biochemistry, and inorganic chemistry. While performing inorganic chemistry research, Levi learned borane and carborane cluster chemistry.