Dr. Myriam Cotten is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at Oregon State University. Her research combines biophysical, biochemical, and biological approaches to understand how peptides and proteins interact with biological membranes and other cellular interfaces.
By investigating the relationships among molecular structure, dynamics, and biological activity, the Cotten Laboratory seeks to advance the development of membrane-active peptides, antimicrobial therapeutics, drug delivery strategies, and other biomolecular technologies. Her research integrates structural biology, membrane biophysics, and microbiology to better understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie peptide function and to translate these discoveries into biomedical applications.
Prior to joining Oregon State University, Dr. Cotten was a faculty member at William & Mary, where she established an interdisciplinary research program focused on membrane-active peptides and biomolecular interactions.
Education
- Ph.D. in Chemistry — Florida State University
- M.S. — École Supérieure de Chimie Organique et Minérale (ESCOM), France
- B.S. — Université Pierre et Marie Curie (now Sorbonne University), Paris, France
Research Interests
- Membrane-active peptides
- Antimicrobial and host defense peptides
- Cell-penetrating peptides
- Protein–lipid interactions
- Molecular recognition at biological membranes
- Structural biology and NMR spectroscopy
- Therapeutic peptide design
Teaching & Mentorship
Dr. Cotten is passionate about mentoring students at all stages of their scientific careers. Her laboratory provides undergraduate and graduate researchers with hands-on experience in structural biology, biophysics, microbiology, and peptide engineering. She believes that the best way to learn science is by actively participating in research, encouraging students to develop both technical expertise and scientific independence.
Outside the Lab
When she's not in the laboratory, Dr. Cotten enjoys spending time outdoors in the Pacific Northwest and exploring the natural beauty of Oregon. She enjoys hiking, running, traveling, horseback riding, and yoga.