Our Team
Catherine Denning-Jannace, PhD
Assistant Professor
Office: 410 Sullivan Science Bldg.
Email:c_denningja@uncg.edu
Phone: 336-334-3588
Education
B.S in Chemistry, minors in Political Science & Biology, Western Carolina University (2009-2013)
PhD in Chemistry, University of Kentucky (2013-2020)
Postdoc, Duke University (2020-2025)
Assistant Professor, UNC Greensboro (Aug 2025- Present)
About Dr. Denning-Jannace (Dr. DJ)
Catherine was born in Raleigh, NC and received her BS in Chemistry with minors in political science and biology from Western Carolina University in 2013. After, she matriculated to graduate school at the University of Kentucky. While there, Catherine studied under Prof. Edith (Phoebe) Glazer in the Department of Chemistry where she earned her PhD in 2020. Catherine’s research focused on using biophysical methods to characterize the relationship between Fe oxidation state and substrate promiscuity of a model Cytochrome P450 enzyme. Catherine was also highly involved in the UK community. With a goal of understanding how global changes in metal homeostasis impact cellular health, Catherine started her Postdoc at Duke University with Dr. Katherine J Franz in the Chemistry Department. Here, Catherine’s research focused on understanding how changes in metallohomeostasis of the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans could be manipulated to discover better antifungal treatments. Catherine started in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry in Fall 2025 where she studies the role of transition metals in virulence of fungal pathogens.
Chris Olawoyin
Graduate researcher
Hi, my name is Chris. I am a second-year PhD student. Outside of school and research, I like to relax by watching soccer, listening to podcasts, and talking with friends and family..
Analise Presley
graduate
Researcher
1st year Ph.D. student.
Frida Perez-Dominguez
graduate
Researcher
1st year Masters student.
Grace Vu
Undergraduate
Researcher
Thomas Ramos
UnderGraduate
Researcher
Hillary Pachao
Undgraduate
Researcher
Hillary is an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry. Born and raised in Winston-Salem, NC, she attended Forsyth Technical Community College before transferring to UNC Greensboro. Outside of school, Hillary loves reading a new book and going to her favorite cafes.
Manar Al-Azzawi
UnderGraduate
Researcher
Hello! My name is Manar and I am a second year undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry. I am from Iraq but have been living in Greensboro for a number of years. When not in lab or on campus, I would typically be found reading novels, drawing, spending time with loved ones, weightlifting, cooking, or playing with my two huskies
Zanhya Smalls
Undergraduate
Researcher
Hi ! My name is Zanyha. I am pursuing a degree in biochemistry with a concentration in medical technology, along with a minor in environmental science and newly minoring in math . Beyond academics, I enjoy reading and drawing, my favorite book that I’m reading at the moment is fight class 3, and I participate in ballroom dancing and ice skating in my free time.
Lucas Tang