Emma Lendy, PhD, is a passionate structural biologist and biochemist who has been working in a research setting for more than 10 years. She is excited to grow the structural biology and biophysical capabilities of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) in her role.
Lendy is a Boilermaker through and through, having earned her bachelor's degree and doctorate from Purdue University. She first discovered structural biology during her work as an undergraduate researcher in an RNA biology lab and has been fascinated with the field ever since.
Her thesis, under the guidance of Andrew Mesecar, PhD, focused on the biochemical and biophysical evaluation of hundreds of small-molecule compounds that were synthesized to inhibit potential drug targets involved in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes and COVID-19.
Recognizing the importance that her own mentors had on her development as a woman in science, Lendy prioritizes mentoring as a part of her professional development as evidenced by having worked with 16 graduate and undergraduate students during her time at Purdue.
She currently lives in Carmel, Ind., with her Australian Shepherd, Daisy. Outside of the lab, she is an aspiring, amateur astronomer, a donut connoisseur, an avid crocheter and a Purdue sports superfan.