About Amy Lane
I’m a Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. I am committed to developing the next generation of STEM leaders through innovative undergraduate education and chemical biology research experiences.
My research program discovers and engineers the genetically encoded potential of microorganisms to make small molecules (natural products) for future applications in medicine and agriculture. These projects serve the dual purpose of advancing the boundaries of science while preparing students to achieve their post-college career goals through interdisciplinary, hands-on research training.
In the classroom, I am an accomplished educator in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. I bring a track record of effective course development for face-to-face, distance learning, and hybrid formats.
Biography
Dr. Amy L. Lane is a Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Prior to her move to Rose-Hulman in 2024, she was a faculty member in Chemistry & Biochemistry at University of North Florida (UNF) for 14 years. At UNF, she progressed through the ranks from Assistant Professor to endowed Terry Presidential Professor and Director for the Advancement of Women in Natural Sciences. At UNF, she led student success initiatives that included launching the NIH-funded “U-RISE at UNF” program for the career development of undergraduates.
Dr. Lane is passionate about undergraduate education and mentorship through both classroom instruction and the engagement of students in cutting-edge chemical biology research. She mentors undergraduate research projects at Rose-Hulman that unveil and engineer Nature’s machinery for the assembly of new druglike molecules (known as natural products). Her undergraduate research program has been supported by grant awards from agencies including NIH, NSF, Dreyfus Foundation, and Research Corporation. Her mentees have been primary authors for research articles in journals that include Nature Communications, ACS Synthetic Biology, and ChemBioChem.
Areas of interest, expertise, collaboration, and consulting: Natural product chemistry; Biosynthesis; Drug discovery; Chemical biology; Chemistry education; Biochemistry; Organic chemistry; Scientific grant writing
My Origin Story
As a high school student in rural Indiana, I never intended to pursue any degree in Chemistry – let alone a Ph.D. in Chemistry and career as a Chemistry professor. I entered my first college chemistry class full of angst. I had completed minimal chemistry coursework in high school, and it was neither my favorite nor my best class. I hadn’t taken AP chemistry courses, competed in science fairs, or attended STEM summer camps. Imposter syndrome took hold; there was no way I belonged in a college chemistry course. I struggled through the course with an endless barrage of questions, which were answered by my professor with patience and enthusiasm. Encouraged by this mentorship, I began to grow momentum and confidence in chemistry. I started to enjoy chemistry and noticed the impact professors can make on their students’ lives. By the end of that school year, I changed my major to Chemistry with a dream to someday have the opportunity to show undergraduates from all backgrounds that they belong and can succeed in STEM. I am fortunate to be able to realize this dream every day at Rose-Hulman.