Project Grant 2204024

This $208,879 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) supports collaborative research between Marquette University and the Colorado School of Mines to gain molecular-level insights into the catalytic mechanism of nitrile hydratase enzymes. Professors Bennett, Fiedler, and Holz will employ kinetic, spectroscopic, biochemical, computational, and X-ray crystallographic methods to detect intermediates, test competing mechanistic hypotheses, determine the catalytic function of proton transfer and active site residues, and elucidate steps in metal cofactor maturation. Insights gained are expected to aid green catalytic approaches to hydrolytic reactions in nature and industry. The award also enhances research and educational infrastructure at the awardee institutions, with the Colorado School of Mines serving as place of performance.