Kathryn Splan

Professor Splan’s research studies the role of metal ions and metal-containing compounds in biology and medicine. Metals such as copper and zinc are functional in many biological processes and are essential for life. However, at high concentrations, these and other metals may also display significant toxicity. Splan’s research studies the effects of copper on biological molecules and seeks to understand factors that control how a protein acquires the correct metal ion. A separate area research focuses on porphyrins, a class of synthetic compounds that mimic the structure and function of the natural pigments heme and chlorophyll. Splan teaches courses in both introductory chemistry and biochemistry.

BS: University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, 1999

PhD: Northwestern University, 2004