Biochemist’s impact on science and students honored

Monday, Mar 10, 2025 • Katherine Egan Bennett :

Kayunta Johnson-Winters, an associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry at The University of Texas at Arlington, has been named a 2025 fellow of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

The honor recognition recognizes her contributions to biochemistry and molecular biology and her efforts to support junior faculty, women in science and student mentorship.

“This is a tremendous honor and recognizes Kay’s important work in advancing our understanding of disease while mentoring junior faculty and student researchers,” said Morteza Khaledi, dean of UTA’s College of Science. “I’m pleased to see her talent and efforts recognized.”

Dr. Johnson-Winters’ research group uses kinetics to study F420-dependent enzymes, focusing on proteins involved in diseases like tuberculosis and energy generation in cells. Her work has expanded understanding of these proteins and paved the way for potential treatments of metabolic disorders.

“Receiving this award from my peers at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is an incredible honor, and I am deeply grateful to all those who have supported me,” Johnson-Winters said. “This is a testament to the those who encouraged me, offered great mentorship and collaborated with me over the years.”

Her research has been supported by grants from prestigious organizations like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. She is currently working on a Welch Foundation-sponsored project to explore why some F420-dependent enzymes can use multiple substrates, unlike the Mycobacterial enzyme linked to tuberculosis.

Johnson-Winters also serves as director of undergraduate research, where she has helped triple UTA’s investment in paid research opportunities for students. She is also piloting a travel grant program that enables select students to present their work at national and international conferences.

She earned her undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry from Alverno College in Milwaukee and her doctorate in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Arizona before joining UTA in 2010.

Founded in 1906, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and its 12,000 members are committed to better understanding the molecular nature of life.

Johnson-Winters will officially be honored at the organization’s annual meeting on April 12-15 in Chicago.

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