Yuming Jiang, a first-year Ph.D. student at Syracuse University, has achieved a significant breakthrough in predicting drug-protein interactions through his undergraduate research, recently published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry. This transformative work has the potential to enhance biochemical processes and drug development strategies.
Originally from Nanjing, China, Jiang was attracted to Syracuse University by its vibrant community and the opportunity to engage in scientific research. His undergraduate experience has culminated in publishing research that many professionals aspire to achieve over several years.
A Journey from Mathematics to Physics
Initially a mathematics major, Jiang’s passion for physics emerged during an introductory course, prompting him to approach John Laiho, a physics professor, for guidance. This led him to assist with computational projects in high-energy particle physics, ultimately inspiring him to double major in both mathematics and physics.
In 2024, professor Liviu Movileanu invited Jiang to join his biophysics research team, where he collaborated with assistant teaching professor Antun Skanata. Jiang immersed himself in complex theoretical frameworks, calculations, and diagrams to explore protein interactions with cell receptors—a critical aspect of numerous biological functions.
Innovative Solutions to Complex Problems
The research focuses on how proteins communicate within cells, specifically through “hub” proteins known as receptors that interact with various ligands. Jiang and his team employed queuing theory, a mathematical model typically used to analyze waiting lines, to understand how different ligands compete for receptor binding. This approach allowed them to predict receptor occupancy based on binding rates and concentrations.
The findings illustrated the intricate dynamics of protein interactions. For instance, in a simple model with three competing proteins, altering the concentration of one protein significantly affected the others’ interactions. The team also developed a “coarse-grained” model for more complex systems, enabling manageable calculations while retaining accuracy.
“We might be able to predict how a drug is acting on a target protein,” Jiang explains. “I think that’s the most profound implication.”
This research offers a quantitative tool for scientists to better understand cellular signaling and could significantly expedite pharmaceutical development by predicting drug-protein interactions, potentially reducing the need for extensive human trials.
Jiang’s achievements extend beyond this publication. He received the Euclid Prize for promising mathematics majors and the Erdős Prize for excellence in mathematical problem-solving, highlighting his strong academic performance. He was also named a 2025 Syracuse University Scholar, the highest honor awarded to undergraduates at the institution.
His story exemplifies Syracuse University’s commitment to undergraduate education, where students actively contribute to scientific advancements rather than merely learning from textbooks. By engaging talented students with faculty involved in cutting-edge research, the university fosters an environment ripe for innovation.
“Working with undergraduates like Yuming is a very rewarding experience,” says Skanata. “It was a joy to see him succeed, and I look forward to his future contributions.”
For Jiang, undergraduate research was a pivotal part of his academic journey. “It allows you to explore different fields without the intense pressure graduate students face, providing freedom to discover genuine interests and build skills,” he notes. As he continues his studies in physics, Jiang is equipped with the skills and confidence gained from his groundbreaking undergraduate work.
“I love the process,” he states. “Being lost in a tough problem and working through solutions is what drives me to advance science.”
