Dr. Amy Fraley

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Amy Fraley’s cross-disciplinary research program centers on natural products biosynthesis, combining foundational evolutionary questions with novel biotechnology applications. Her work focuses on understanding enzymatic chemistry and tuning selective biochemical transformations, aiming to provide sustainable sources of bioactive metabolites and viable therapeutics to better understand disease mechanisms. Fraley's research spans the interface of life and pharmaceutical sciences while addressing pressing questions of environmental sustainability. After earning her B.Sc. in Chemistry from Millersville University of Pennsylvania in 2014, she completed her Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Michigan in 2019. There, she characterized enzymes involved in fungal indole alkaloid biosynthesis and discovered a new family of zinc-binding flavin-dependent halogenases. Her subsequent postdoctoral research at ETH Zürich under Prof. Jörn Piel focused on the biosynthesis of anticancer polyketides from marine symbiotic bacteria. In January 2024, she became an Assistant Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at ETH Zürich in the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, where she continues to advance research and education in her field.

Research Interests

Awards

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JSP Fellow

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Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship

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Research Excellence Award

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Cubed Award

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American Institute of Chemist's Award

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Yvonne Sandra L. Turchi Biochemistry Endowment

Courses

Introduction Pharmaceutical Sciences II Medicinal Chemistry II Seminars Drug Discovery Development

Requirements for ETH Zurich

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.4
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:159
Verbal Percentile
Required:80
Quantitative
Required:168
Quantitative Percentile
Required:81
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Writing Percentile
Required:85
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a related field (Engineering, Natural Sciences, or Mathematics) Minimum 180 ECTS credits Subject-specific knowledge equivalent to ETH Bachelor's programs
Application Checklist
  • Bachelor's degree diploma or transcript
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Letter of Motivation (1 page)
  • Two academic recommendation letters
  • English language proficiency certificate
  • GRE General Test (for non-EU/EFTA applicants)
Specialization Notes

The GRE is mandatory for students who did not obtain their Bachelor's degree in an EU/EFTA state. Some departments (e.g., Computer Science) have specific ECTS credit requirements in core subjects.