Hannah. Research Professor Dordick currently leads the Jonathan S. Dordick Research Group in the Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies and leads research in enzyme technology, microscale cell culture engineering, drug discovery and human toxicology, and biomanufacturing. Present and past research has included studies of Biocatalysis in Nonaqueous Media, Combinatorial Biocatalysis, Nanobiotechnology, enzyme technology, molecular bioprocessing. More specifically, they work on the development of enzymatic catalysis under extreme conditions (e.g. high salt concentrations), enzymes in the synthesis and modification of polymeric materials, combinatorial biocatalysis for drug discovery and polymer synthesis, and the generation of biocatalysts and biomimetics with unique activities and selectivities. Dordick has been featured in the news for helping develop the "MetaChip" technology for fast drug screening, and for research on gel nanomaterials that could be used to control the delivery of drugs. Most recently, Dordick has tackled COVID-19 by identifying mechanisms that interfere with SARS-CoV-2 entry into human cells. He identified the ability of heparin, a common blood thinner, to block the virus' ability to bind to its human receptor target. He then identified other highly sulfated polysaccharides, including those from seaweed, which also possessed very potent activity against viral infectivity in vitro. Honors Elected to the National Academy of Engineering (2021) Amgen Biochemical and Molecular Engineering Award (2019) Rensselaer School of Engineering Outstanding Professor Award (2019) Food, Pharmaceutical and Bioengineering Award, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (2016) Elected to the National Academy of Inventors (2014) Fellow of the American Chemical Society (2010) Marvin J. Johnson Award, American Chemical Society Division of Biochemical Technology (2007) Elmer Gaden Award, American Chemical Society Division of Biochemical Technology (2007) Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2004) International Enzyme Engineering Award (2003) Fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineers (1996) Chairman of the Division of Biochemical Technology of the American Chemical Society (1992) NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award (1989) References External links Jon Speaking at World Economic Forum Personal page Bio Page 1959 births Living people American biochemists Brandeis University alumni Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute faculty Jewish American scientists Fellows of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering MIT School of Engineering alumni Fellows of the American Chemical Society Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Scientists from Philadelphia