Gary Joseph Pielak is a professor of chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research focuses on the structure, stability, and function of globular and intrinsically disordered proteins in physiologically relevant environments. Using the principles of equilibrium thermodynamics and the tools of molecular biology and biophysics, he investigates how proteins behave inside cells and under crowded conditions that more closely reflect the cellular environment.

Pielak was awarded a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Fellowship for his project, Understanding Protein Behavior in Cells and Under Crowded Conditions In Vitro. His research examines how proteins function in the highly crowded environment of living cells, where macromolecule concentrations can exceed 300 g/L. Building on experimental findings that challenge traditional explanations of molecular crowding, the project explores a new theoretical model developed by collaborators in Jerusalem to better understand the forces governing protein stability and interactions. During his fellowship, Pielak will work with researchers in Israel to test and further develop this model through collaborative experimental and theoretical studies.

His recent publications include:

Redvanly, T. W., Olgenblum, G. I., Young, O. M., Goldenberg, Y., Stewart, C. J., Harries, D., & Pielak, G. J. (in press). Sugar-protein interactions control protein-complex stability in crowded Ficoll and dextran solutions. Protein Science.