Mike Tuntland

About Mike Tuntland

I completed my PhD in structural biology and protein chemistry. Here I built my foundation as a gene-to-structure scientist. I had to design, clone and verify my own constructs for each of the many protein I cultured and purified. I purified these proteins by batch and AKTA purification methods. To obtain crystallography quality material, I utilized affinity, IEX and SEC strategies. I personally set up and monitored of conditions. Crystals were harvested and taken to the APS at Argonne, where I collected the data I used to refine and solve protein and protein-small molecule structures. I mapped enzymatic mechanisms by capturing structural snapshots of active sites via x-ray crystallography. These data were used for our drug discovery efforts funded by a HDTRA contract (DoD), where I developed and executed HTS enzymatic assays. I gained proficiency in numerous biophysically techniques including ITC, CD, EPR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, thermal shift assays with sypro orange.

Experience

1. Sr Scientist Ii

   Deciphera Pharmaceuticals

   Jul 2025 — Present

Education

• University of Illinois Chicago

  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Chemistry (Biochemistry)

  2009 — 2015

• Illinois State University

  Bachelor's degree, Chemistry (minor in CJS)

  2007 — 2009

• Kishwaukee College

  Associate of Science (A.S.), Chemistry

  2005 — 2007