Dr. Satish Nair

Professor

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Biography

Satish K. Nair is a faculty member in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he holds the Gregorio Weber Chair and directs the Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology. His research focuses on drug discovery, enzyme mechanisms, host-pathogen interactions, and protein structure, particularly in relation to bacterial natural products and their biosynthesis. Through innovative biochemical and microbiological techniques, including X-ray crystallography, Nair and his lab study how bacteria synthesize small molecules that regulate inter-species behavior and combat competitors. His work targets ribosomally synthesized peptide antibiotics, particularly lantibiotics and cyanobactins, investigating their biosynthetic enzymes and developing strategies to engineer them for novel therapeutic applications. Nair collaborates with other experts to explore microbial communication and quorum sensing mechanisms, identifying potential therapeutic targets for bacterial growth intervention. With a Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and postdoctoral training at Rockefeller University, Nair has contributed significantly to the fields of natural product biosynthesis and microbial physiology.

Research Interests

Experience

Head

— Present

Department of Biochemistry • Urbana, IL

Leads research on drug discovery and bacterial natural products.

Requirements for University of Illinois

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:19
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:103
GRE General
Prerequisites
Mathematical background Linear Algebra Calculus
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE is optional for admission to all graduate programs in Statistics. Full status admission requires higher language scores than limited status.