Dr. Sean Elliott stands as a distinguished leader in the field of bioinorganic chemistry with transformative contributions to understanding metalloenzymes and their redox mechanisms. Currently serving as Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Boston University, he maintains a dual appointment that reflects the interdisciplinary nature of his pioneering work. Following completion of his B.A. at Amherst College and Ph.D. in Bioinorganic Chemistry at the California Institute of Technology in 2000, he established himself as a rising star in the field through subsequent faculty appointments. His academic journey has been marked by a consistent focus on the intersection of chemistry and biology, particularly the role of metal ions in enzymatic catalysis, which has positioned him at the forefront of bioinorganic research.
Professor Elliott's research group has made seminal contributions to understanding how nature harnesses redox transformations through metal-containing cofactors including heme iron, iron-sulfur clusters, and molybdopterin in the context of metalloenzymes. His team's innovative investigations into the AdoMet Radical Enzyme superfamily have revealed how ubiquitous [4Fe-4S] clusters are transformed into power radicals capable of thousands of distinct reactivities across all kingdoms of life. By combining enzymology, microbiology, electrochemistry and spectroscopy, his work has provided fundamental insights into how nature tunes the reactivity of metal ions to achieve globally impactful chemical transformations. His research on CO2 reduction enzymes has advanced understanding of how biological systems achieve a bias toward carbon dioxide reduction over its generation, with significant implications for sustainability and renewable energy technologies.
Beyond his laboratory discoveries, Dr. Elliott has significantly shaped the field through his collaborative approach, working with research groups across the globe to understand the intricate mechanisms of macromolecular redox chemistry. His work on metalloenzyme discovery and bioinformatics approaches has expanded the known diversity of enzymatic chemistry involving heme and iron-sulfur clusters. As evidenced by his Google Scholar profile with over 4,800 citations, his contributions have established him as a major influence in bioinorganic chemistry and related fields. Currently directing NIH and DOE-sponsored research programs, he continues to push the boundaries of knowledge in redox enzymology while training the next generation of scientists who will carry forward this vital work in understanding life's fundamental chemical processes.
