Indian American scientist Sheel Dodani has been awarded the prestigious $100,000 Hackerman Award for her innovative research in protein technology aimed at enhancing human health and environmental sustainability.
Sheel Dodani, an Indian American scientist, has received the esteemed 2026 Norman Hackerman Award in Chemical Research from The Welch Foundation. This award, which includes a $100,000 prize and a bronze sculpture, recognizes her groundbreaking work in the field of engineered proteins, specifically their application as anion sensors in biological systems.
Dr. Dodani is an associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Texas at Dallas. Her research has been described as “using creative and daring chemistry to engineer technologies” that significantly contribute to human health and environmental improvement. Fred Brazelton, chair and director of The Welch Foundation, praised her achievements, stating, “Dr. Dodani is using creative and daring chemistry to engineer technologies that can measure and manipulate anions in living systems for the betterment of human health and the environment.”
The Hackerman Award is named after the foundation’s former scientific advisory board chair and aims to honor the accomplishments of early-career chemical scientists in Texas who are committed to advancing the fundamental understanding of chemistry. The award not only highlights individual achievement but also underscores the importance of innovative research in the scientific community.
Dr. David Hyndman, dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at UT Dallas, remarked on the significance of Dodani’s work, stating, “Sheel Dodani’s research is opening an important new window into the chemistry of life.”
Dodani’s research group has developed the first coherent suite of genetically engineered fluorescent proteins that serve as biosensors for inorganic anions. While much attention has been given to cations—positively charged particles that are crucial for biological processes—anions, or negatively charged particles, have not been as thoroughly explored. This gap in understanding is particularly notable given the vital role that anions play in various biological functions.
One prominent example of an anion is chloride, which is essential for regulating fluid balance, blood pressure, and pH levels in the human body. The biosensors developed by Dodani have revolutionized researchers’ ability to track and visualize the behavior and interactions of these biologically significant anions in real time within living systems.
By utilizing fluorescent biosensors, researchers can now observe how anions behave in cells, paving the way for new therapeutic avenues. This includes the potential identification of small molecules that could treat chloride channel dysfunctions associated with diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
Reflecting on her research journey, Dodani noted, “This work began with a fundamental question: How can we bind an anion in water?” She explained that her team turned to nature’s supramolecular machines—proteins—to find answers. Through protein engineering, they have unlocked new functionalities in fluorescent proteins that enable the observation of anion biology, which has traditionally been challenging to study directly in living cells.
Dodani expressed gratitude for the support from The Welch Foundation, stating, “The Welch Foundation gave us the opportunity to pursue this direction early on. At the time, there was no established framework for investigating anions in water, let alone in living systems. By integrating concepts from different disciplines, we have started to answer questions that were previously out of reach.”
The Welch Foundation plays a crucial role in providing resources that allow researchers like Dodani to take risks in their scientific inquiries. This support is vital for those who aim to tackle complex questions that could have significant implications for human health and the environment.
Born and raised in Plano, Texas, Dodani completed her Bachelor of Science in chemistry at UT Dallas. She then pursued her PhD at the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the California Institute of Technology. In 2016, she returned to UT Dallas as a faculty member in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, where she continues to make impactful contributions to the field of chemistry.
According to The American Bazaar, Dodani’s innovative research not only enhances our understanding of anions but also holds promise for future advancements in medical and environmental applications.