University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · ChemistryMetal Ion Catalysis Research Group
Joshua A Buss · Ann Arbor, Michigan
Research Focus
Dr. Joshua A Buss's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how different metal ions in enzymes influence their reactivity and efficiency. By creating synthetic models of enzyme active sites, the research aims to answer why some enzymes are highly specific in their metal requirements, while others can function with a variety of metals. This work could lead to the development of new catalysts for pharmaceutical applications.
multimetallic catalysisenzyme activitypharmaceutical developmentmetal ion effectsbiochemical processes
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how different metal ions affect electronic structure in enzymatic active sites.
AIM 02Examine the role of interstitial elements in modulating the properties of metal clusters.
AIM 03Develop synthetic models that mimic enzyme behavior in multi-metallic systems.
AIM 04Explore the cooperative binding of substrates by proximal metal sites.
AIM 05Advance methods for creating new pharmaceutical catalysts based on enzyme principles.
Skills the Lab Values
synthesis of coordination compoundsspectroscopic analysisredox potential measurementenzyme activity assaysmultimetallic cluster preparation
Output against the department
Publications90bottom 19% of dept.174th of 216
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations1.1kbottom 8% of dept.198th of 216
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.