Emily Nikas

Emily joined Octant through the apprentice program and is a member of the drug discovery team, where she draws on her background in synthetic organic chemistry. Before joining Octant, she earned her degree in chemistry from Caltech and conducted research in Brian Stoltz’s lab. Her senior thesis focused on the total synthesis of braznitidumine, an indole alkaloid with potential antimalarial and leishmanicidal activity.

Outside the lab, Emily enjoys spending time outdoors. She enjoys climbing, camping, hiking, and backpacking all over the world. She is also a recreational triathlete, although she’ll happily admit that swimming is her favorite discipline.