Current Group Members

Debbie is from St. Louis Missouri and is a proud graduate of Ladue Horton Watkins High School (everyone in STL always asks – where did you go to high school?). After obtaining her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Newcomb College of Tulane University in New Orleans, she moved to Boston to complete her PhD studies in the laboratory of JoAnne Stubbe in the Department of Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In the Stubbe lab, Debbie investigated ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) from yeast, unraveling the multilayered regulation of RNR activity including diiron cofactor biosynthesis. After MIT, she moved across the river to Harvard Medical School for her postdoc with Suzanne Walker in the Departments of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Debbie investigated the mechanism and inhibition of bacterial cell wall biogenesis. She joined the faculty in the Department of Chemistry in 2010 where her lab uses chemical biology approaches to understand the mechanism of iron sulfur cluster biogenesis. She notes that with each move during her time in Boston, she has gotten closer to Fenway Park – GO SOX! When she’s not in lab or watching the Sox, she keeps busy with her role as Mom to three really super men – Charlie, Daniel and Owen.

Christina grew up in Marshfield, MA. She earned her B.S. in biochemistry (with an emphasis in neuroscience) from Trinity College, where she worked under Dr. Michael Puljung to probe ATP-sensitive ion channels with fluorescent, non-hydrolyzable nucleotides.

Emma grew up in Bethel, CT. She earned her B.S. in biochemistry from Providence College, where she worked under Dr. Tyler Stack to characterize azo-reductases found in the gut microbiome. When not in the lab, she loves going to Fenway Park for a game (despite being a huge Yankees fan).

Mark is a sophomore studying Chemical Biology And Data Science at Boston University. He joined the Perlstein Lab in 2023. When not in the lab, he loves going to every concert he can and trying out all the coffee shops of Boston. Additionally, he is part of BU’s improv group Liquid Fun.

Marisa is a senior studying Chemical Biology and English at Boston University who joined the Perlstein Lab in 2024. She spends her free time walking dogs, baking treats for the lab, and reading whatever’s on sale at Brookline Booksmith.

Rosie joined in the Perlstein lab in January 2017. She enjoys playing tug of war, barking at other dogs, and belly rubs. She knows sit, lay down, and paw, and loves to greet her lab mates with hugs and kisses. Rosie currently works on developing a nap cycle schedule between classes and investigating the bone-to-bite ratio of each chew toy in the office.