Yunling Deng

Biography

Dr. Deng is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. She earned her Ph.D. in Bioinorganic Chemistry from Dartmouth College and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Texas at Austin. Her prior work centered on understanding the structure, dynamics, and catalytic functions of heme proteins.

At St. Mary’s, the Deng Lab investigates how heme regulates the structure and activity of proteins involved in human health and how heme enzymes can be engineered for sustainable chemistry, including environmental bioremediation. Her lab combines chemical, biochemical, and biophysical approaches to explore these questions, offering students opportunities to engage in hands-on research at the intersection of chemistry and biology.

Undergraduate researchers in Dr. Deng’s lab will gain direct experience with protein engineering, enzymatic assays, molecular biology, and spectroscopy while also developing broader skills in scientific communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These experiences prepare students for diverse career paths, including graduate and professional schools, industry, and science outreach.