Overview
Sheila Bonitatibus assists the firm with pharmaceutical patent prosecution, utilizing her extensive knowledge in the areas of chemistry and biochemistry to support the firm’s clients.
Sheila’s scientific background is in electrochemistry and redox enzymology. Prior to joining Wolf Greenfield, she received her PhD in chemistry from Boston University under the mentorship of Professor Sean J. Elliott.
Sheila’s doctoral research included designing projects associated with the biophysical characterization and mechanistic study of metalloenzymes central to carbon fixation pathways. Specifically, she investigated the oxo-acid ferredoxin oxidoreductase superfamily to probe how these reversible enzymes activate and transform carbon dioxide into value-added molecules.
During her PhD, Sheila also participated in a full-time, research-based program at the Marine Biological Laboratory located in Woods Hole, Massachusetts that focused on microbial metabolism and diversity.
Activities
- Fundraising Chair, Boston University Women in Chemistry (2019-2023)
Recognition
- Feldman Award for research and mentorship, Boston University (2022)
- Dean’s Fellowship Award, Boston University (2017)
- Magis Academic Merit Fellowship, Fairfield University (2013 – 2017)
- Miecznikowski, J.; Zygmont, S.; Jasinski, J.; Kaur,M.; Almanza, E.; Bonitatibus, S.; Mircovich, E.; Magueres, E.; Reinhimer, E.; Weitz. A. Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemistry of SNS cobalt(II) tridentate complexes. Transit Met Chem. 47, 127–13 (2022).
- Bonitatibus, S.; Bak, D.; Bin, L.; Elliott, S. Iron-Sulfur Clusters: Biochemical Aspects. Elsevier: Comprehensive Coordination Chemistry III. 103-123 (2021).
- Miecznikowski, J. R., Jasinski, J. P., Kaur, M., Bonitatibus, S.; Almanza, E.; Kharbouch, R.; Zygmont, S.; Landy, K. Preparation of SNS Cobalt(II) Pincer Model Complexes of Liver Alcohol Dehydrogenase. Vis. Exp. 157 (2020).
- Ayikpoe, R.; Ngendahimana, T.; Langton, M.; Bonitatibus, S.; Walker, L.; Eaton, S.; Eaton, G.; Pandelia, M.; Elliott, S.; Latham, J. Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Characterization of the Mycofactocin Biosynthetic Protein, MftC, Provides Insight into Its Redox Flipping Mechanism. Biochemistry. 58, 940-950 (2019).
- Atkinson, J.; Campbell, I.; Thomas, E.; Bonitatibus, S.; Elliott, S.; Bennett, G.; Silberg. Metalloprotein switches that display chemical-dependent electron transfer in cells. Nat Chem Biol. 15, 189–195 (2019).
- Miecznikowski, J.; Bernier, N.; Van Akin, C.; Bonitatibus, S.; Morgan, M.; Kharbouch, R.; Mercado, B.; Lynn, M. Deactivation of a ruthenium(II) N-heterocyclic carbene p-cymene complex during transfer hydrogenation catalysis. Transition Metal 43, 21-29 (2018).
Interests
- Cooking for friends and family
- Attending sporting events (New England fan)
