Trainee Spotlight: Karn Parmar
Karn Pamar is a MMLI postdoc working in the lab of Professor Scott Denmark. He works to ameliorate enantioselective catalysis using previously developed and novel machine learning tools. Karn was born in Vancouver, BC, Canada and completed his B.Sc. in Alberta at the University of Calgary and then moved to the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon to complete his Ph.D. From there, he decided to explore the American prairies and ended up in Illinois, which is not as cold as Sask! [Click above to read more!]
Faculty Spotlight: Costas Maranas
Costas Maranas is the Donald B. Broughton Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University. His research group is part of the retrosynthesis team. They are working towards developing automated workflows for the discovery of synthesis pathways to target chemicals using enzymatic conversions. As part of this effort they have developed a suite a software tools including novoStoic2.0, dGPredictor and EnzRank. [Click above to read more!]
MMLI Trainee Spotlight: Let’s meet Karn Parmar!
Karn Pamar is a MMLI postdoc working in the lab of Professor Scott Denmark. He works to ameliorate enantioselective catalysis using previously developed and novel machine learning tools.
What was your background before MMLI?
I was born in Vancouver, BC, Canada. I completed my B.Sc. in Alberta at the University of Calgary and then moved to the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon to complete my Ph.D. From there, I decided to explore the American prairies and ended up in Illinois, which is not as cold as Sask!
.
What drew you to MMLI?
I have been fascinated with artificial neural networks since I was a teenager. I was excited to go back to that and learn about implementing other AI technologies in organic synthesis. development process, thus improving patients’ lives.
What has been your favorite part of being a part of MMLI?
The collaborative nature and the fruitful meetings. I usually learn something useful at the thrust meetings and the retreat.
How do you like to spend your free time?
When I have minimal free time, I usually play with my dog, listen to music, or watch movies. When I have more time, I like to play the guitar, stargaze, or read.
Fun fact (or extremely average fact) about yourself you would like to share:
I may be the only person on the planet who likes the noises the cicadas make!
MMLI Faculty Spotlight: Let’s meet Costas Maranas!
Costas Maranas is the Donald B. Broughton Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University. His research group is part of the retrosynthesis team.
What is your background and describe your current work/role/any exciting projects you want to share.
Our group is part of the retrosynthesis team. We are working towards developing automated workflows for the discovery of synthesis pathways to target chemicals using enzymatic conversions. As part of this effort we have developed a suite a software tools including novoStoic2.0, dGPredictor and EnzRank.
What drew you to MMLI?
My group has been working with Huimin’s group for a while. When he inform me of his plan to apply for the NSF institute on molecular synthesis. I thought that it would be a timely and appropriate effort leveraging a multitude of expertise and UIUC and partner institutions.
Can you share a little bit about a current project you are excited about?
I am excited to share the MMLI Data Ingestor Project, it is a typical project for multidisciplinary collaboration that involves software development, data mining, data visualization, chemistry, and even some bioinformatics. The goal of the project is to create a central data storage space that is flexible enough to be able to present all different kinds of projects involved in MMLI. This requires close collaboration and a deep understanding of both Chemistry and Computer Science domain knowledge with explanations from experts. With the work in both fields, the final product will be really exciting to see.
What is your favorite part of being a part of MMLI?
The opportunity to interact and bounce ideas off computer scientists, chemists and biologists.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I like to run, climb, and SCUBA dive.
Fun fact (or extremely average fact) about yourself you would like to share:
I cannot ride a bicycle without training wheels…