Dr. Katherine Franz

Professor

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Biography

Katherine J. Franz is the James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at Duke University. Her research group is dedicated to elucidating the structural and functional consequences of metal ion coordination in biological systems. She focuses particularly on understanding coordination chemistry that biology uses to manage essential and toxic species, such as copper and iron. Harnessing these principles informs the development of novel chemical tools to manipulate the location, speciation, and reactivity of biological metal ions, potentially providing therapeutic benefits. The group's work employs a combination of synthesis, spectroscopy, and biochemistry to achieve these goals. Dr. Franz has received several accolades for her research and teaching, including the Southern Chemists Award, the Charles H. Stone Award, and the ACS National Award for Encouraging Women in the Chemical Sciences. Additionally, she is a member of the Duke Cancer Institute and actively engages in promoting diversity in science through her work at Duke. She has held a Sloan Research Fellowship and received a CAREER award from the National Science Foundation, highlighting her contributions to chemistry education and research.

Research Interests

Awards

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Southern Chemists Award

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Charles H. Stone Award

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ACS National Award for Encouraging Women in the Chemical Sciences

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Dean’s Diversity Award

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Dean’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring

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Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award

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Sloan Research Fellowship-Chemistry

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Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program

Courses

CHEM 511: Chemistry Biomolecular Interactions CHEM 494: Research Independent Study CHEM 493: Research Independent Study CHEM 394: Research Independent Study CHEM 393: Research Independent Study CHEM 101DL: Core Concepts Chemistry

Requirements for Duke University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Multivariable Calculus Introduction to Physics (mechanics) Introduction to Chemistry
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Application Fee ($95)
  • Video Introduction
Specialization Notes

Department of Biomedical Engineering (MS program)