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College of Liberal Arts and Sciences University of Florida
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UF Department of Chemistry

Leigh Hall

352-392-2345

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Gail E. Fanucci

Professor

Research Focus

We use spin‑labeling magnetic resonance (SLMR) to characterize macromolecular motions linked to function and disease. Our work spans biological macromolecules, polymer assemblies, and glycolipids. Current projects probe membrane‑binding proteins and membrane biophysics, conformational changes in HIV‑1 protease and large RNAs, and natively unstructured proteins. We complement EPR with solution NMR relaxation and Overhauser DNP to relate conformational sampling, backbone dynamics, and changes in surface water hydration.

Education and Training

2000–2004: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Virginia (lab of David S. Cafiso)

1999–2000: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Pennsylvania (lab of Stanley J. Opella)

1994–1999: Ph.D. Chemistry, University of Florida (lab of Daniel R. Talham)

Selected Awards

UF Term Professorship Award (2021)

UF Research Foundation Professorship Award (2018)

Wessell’s Excellence Award, UF College Outstanding Assistant Professor (2009)

HHMI Distinguished Mentor Award (2008)

NSF CAREER Award (2008–2013)

Selected Activities

Editorial Board Member, Viruses., 2025–

Member and Chair, College Tenure and Promotion Committee, 2020–2021

Head, UF Chemistry Physical Chemistry Division, 2016–2022

Member, Faculty, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 2004–

Selected Publications

Jaufer, A. M.; Bouhadana, A.; Fanucci, G. E.* Hydrophobic clusters regulate surface hydration dynamics of Bacillus subtilis lipase A. J. Phys. Chem. B. 2024, 128, 3919–3928.

Dunleavy, K. M.; Li, T.; Milshteyn, E.; Jaufer, A. M.; Walker, S. A.; Fanucci, G. E.* Charge distribution patterns of IA3 impact conformational expansion and hydration diffusivity of the disordered ensemble. J. Phys. Chem. B. 2023, 127, 9734–9746.

Jaiswal, M.; Zhou, M.; Guo, J.; Tran, T. T.; Kundu, S.; Jaufer, A. M.; Fanucci, G. E.;* Guo, Z.* Different biophysical properties of cell surface α2,3- and α2,6-sialoglycans revealed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic studies. J. Phys. Chem. B. 2023, 127, 1749–1757.