Nicholas J. Amato

Nicholas obtained his B.A. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The College of Wooster in 2008. His research career began at Wooster working with Dr. Judith C. Amburgey-Peters, of which his undergraduate independent study research thesis focused on the synthesis and purification of a potential Phosphatidylserine lipid analog.  In 2013, he obtained his Ph.D in Chemistry from the University of Toledo, where he worked under the guidance of Dr. Amanda C. Bryant-Friedrich and Dr. Timothy C. Mueser.  Nicholas’ dissertation research revolved around oxidative DNA damage, which identified and characterized 2'-deoxyribose damage products, and evaluated the impact of DNA structure and DNA binding proteins on the fate of oxidative damage.  Shortly after obtaining his Ph.D, Nicholas transitioned to the University of California, Riverside, where he worked with Dr. Yinsheng Wang to pursue his Postdoctoral studies.  At Riverside, Nicholas was awarded the Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award, where he supported and led several projects that identified, quantified and characterized DNA and RNA lesions.  In 2016, Nicholas joined Moderna as a Scientist in Moderna’s research platform in Cambridge Massachusetts, where he resides today.