Group Members
Group photo: Summer 2024
Dr. Maria Kurnikova
kurnikova@cmu.edu
Muhammed Aktolun
Muhammed is a PhD student in Chemistry. He received his bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering (2015) from Marmara University (Turkey) and his MSc in Computational Biology (2017) from Kadir Has University (Turkey). His primary research focuses on the free energy calculations and conformational characterization of ion channel proteins using Molecular Dynamics simulations. In my free time, I love fishing, playing video games, and spending time outdoors with my family.
Ben Koby
Ben is a PhD student in Chemistry. He received his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Statistics in 2015 from the University of Pittsburgh, and his MPhil in Physics from Cambridge University (United Kingdom) in 2021 under Prof. Jacqueline Cole. In the Kurnikova group, he develops methods for and applies binding free energy simulations for small molecule drug discovery, and investigates the mechanisms and dynamics of metalloenzymes for biocatalysis applications. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, yoga, travelling, golf, and grilling with friends.
Casin Ayvaz
Cansin is a PhD student in Chemistry. She received her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Bogazici University in 2021 and her master’s degree in Chemistry from Bilkent University in 2023. In the Kurnikova group, her research focuses on the free energy calculation of ion channel proteins using Molecular Dynamics simulations. She enjoys painting, playing the cello, and hiking in her free time.
Mudit Satyen Jaju
Mudit is a PhD student in Chemistry. He received his bachelors degree in Computer Science and masters degree in Biological Sciences from BITS Pilani, Goa (India, 2025). His work in the group involves the use of alchemical free energy methods for small molecule drug discovery. In his free time, he likes to watch movies, sports and maybe go on a hike!
Mariia Sierova
Mariia is a predoctorate student in Bioinformatics. She recently received her bachelors degree in Computational Biology from University of Pittsburgh in 2025. Her work in the group involves a development of Machine Learning force field for iron catalytic center in α-ketoglutarate dependent enzymes. She also worked on Molecular Dynamic simulations of membrane ion channel TRPV6. In her free time she enjoys ballroom dancing, playing tennis and reading books.
Igor Kurnikov
Igor Kurnikov is a visiting faculty member of the group. He received his PhD in Chemistry from University of Pittsburgh. He is collaborating with Kurnikova's group on biocatalytic projects, ion permiation, Machine Learning force fields and scientific software development. In his free time he enjoys dancing Argentinian Tango and Salsa, he also loves playing guitar.
Alumni
Christofer Kottle
Chamali Narangoda
Serzhan Sakipov
