Conrad A. Fihn
Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
About
Occidental College (B.A. Chemistry)
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities (PhD, Medicinal Chemistry)
University of California, Santa Cruz (Postdoc)
Research Interests
The Fihn lab uses tools from mass spectrometry, chemical biology, molecular biology, and microbiology to study how bacteria communicate and regulate pathogenic behavior. In particular we are studying quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, where chemical signals allow bacterial populations to coordinate behaviors such as biofilm formation, motility, toxin production, and antibiotic resistance. Our work combines mass spectrometry-based screening, biosynthetic approaches, and microbiological assays to discover new signaling molecules, understand how structural changes to these signaling molecules influence biological activity, and explore ways to disrupt bacterial communication. Ultimately, we aim to better understand the chemistry underlying bacterial signaling and identify new strategies for weakening pathogenic bacteria without relying solely on traditional antibiotics.
Interested in working in the lab on these projects? Check out my website below and fill out the interest form.
Expertise
Current Courses
Fall Semester 2026
Biological Chemistry I/Lab
An introduction to biologically important molecules and macromolecular assemblies. Topics discussed include the structure and chemistry of proteins; the mechanisms and kinetics of enzyme-catalyzed reactions; and the structure, chemistry, and functions of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and bio…
Senior Research and Seminar
A laboratory or library research study in an area of interest under the supervision of a member of the department. Each senior major delivers one presentation on the research for each thesis credit. Students register for CHEM 457 in the fall semester. Majors writing an honors thesis register for bot…