Dr. Nicholas Riley

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Nicholas Riley received a B.S. in Chemistry and Psychology from the University of South Carolina in 2012, graduating with Honors from the South Carolina Honors College. He was introduced to mass spectrometry by Professor Stephen Morgan during his undergraduate research in forensic analytical chemistry. This experience led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where under Professor Joshua Coon, he focused on developing mass spectrometry technology, particularly in gas-phase ion-ion reactions and tandem mass spectrometry methods. His postdoctoral research at Stanford University under the 2022 Chemistry Nobel Laureate Professor Carolyn Bertozzi centered on mucin-domain glycoproteins in glycoscience. In September 2023, he launched the Riley Research Group at the University of Washington, focusing on glycosylation's role in cell surface biology and cancer progression using MS-based multi-omics and a systems-level approach in glycobiology.

Research Interests

Experience

Postdoctoral Fellow

2018-09-01 — 2023-08-31

Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Conducted research focused on mucin-domain glycoproteins and developed new tools in glycoscience.

Assistant Professor

2023-09-01 — Present

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

Launched an independent research program exploring glycosylation in cell biology and cancer.

Awards

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American Society Mass Spectrometry Research Award

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Scialog Fellow, Automating Chemical Laboratories

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Human Proteome Organization Rising Star Award

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Rising Star Glycoscience, Translational Glycomics Center

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Distinguished Young Honors Alumni Award

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NIH Pathway Independence Award (K99/R00)

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Rising Star Proteomics Metabolomics, Journal Proteome Research

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Emerging Talent Academia, ASMS

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ASMS Postdoctoral Career Development Award

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NIH National Cancer Institute Predoctoral Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award (F99/K00)

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National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow

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Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award

Courses

CHEM 321 Quantitative Analysis CHEM 196 Chemistry Frontiers CHEM 428 Biomolecular Analysis CHEM 528 B: Biomolecular Analysis

Requirements for University of Washington

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:80
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:105
Overall
Required:105
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • English proficiency scores (for international students)
Specialization Notes

Standard Graduate School requirements for University of Washington apply to most departments listed unless specified otherwise by the program.