Get to know Olivia Pattelli–Structural Biology Protein Scientist

Olivia Pattelli is a Structural Biology Protein Scientist in the Macromolecular Structure Group at the Nucleus. The Nucleus is a group of collaborative labs housed within Sarafan ChEM-H that brings together the technical expertise, training, and cutting-edge instruments needed to supercharge research at Stanford. 

We chatted with Olivia to learn more about her role, what she finds most rewarding about it, her go-to lunch spot, and the time she spotted a tarantula for the first time.

When did you join the Nucleus, and what brought you here?


I joined in June 2023. I’m originally from the Midwest, and I did my PhD in Chemical Biology at the University of Michigan. My thesis work focused on targeting transcriptional protein-protein interactions using peptide analogs, and I used a wide range of techniques including protein purification, assay development, and even some synthesis and structural biology, which naturally led me to my position here at the Nucleus.

Tell us about your role at the Nucleus.                            

I work closely with Daniel Fernandez, the Director of Crystallography. The Macromolecular Structure Group has two main focuses: the first is protein production, which involves expressing and purifying proteins, and the second is crystallography of those proteins. I handle more of the protein production and purification side, which ties into my PhD work. Daniel focuses more on the structural side of things, so we balance each other out and are able to support more users and projects as a team.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I really enjoy the lab work, but what I love most is the collaboration. I get to work on so many different projects and meet lots of people. I help train users, collaborate with grad students and postdocs, and mentor undergraduates. It's never the same day twice. 

Speaking of mentoring, can you share more about that experience?


Absolutely. Some of the most fulfilling moments come from mentoring undergraduates, especially those doing research for the first time. It’s great to help them discover that research is a real career path. Watching and celebrating their lab wins with them makes it all the more rewarding.

Do you have a favorite spot on campus?

I love going to  the hospital fountain. It’s peaceful and there are tables with umbrellas that you can just sit and relax. I also really enjoy lunch at the Shriram Center. The balconies up on the second and third floors are always very calm. It’s my go-to spot.

What do you like doing outside of work?

I consistently try to be outside. Most places here are so gorgeous, and there is no shortage of places to visit. I really like hiking, particularly the Stanford Dish trail. It’s a nice hike, especially when the fog lifts and you can see the San Francisco skyline from the top. There are always wild turkeys roaming about. I even saw a tarantula once. I had never seen one before! 

Final question. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?


My PhD advisor would tell us  that it’s ok to take a break. Science can be frustrating when things are repeatedly not working and continuing to try over and over again can drive you crazy. Sometimes stepping away temporarily, whether that’s to take a walk, leaving early for the day, or maybe even shifting your primary focus to a different project for a couple days or weeks can help you reset, find new ways to approach the problem, and come back more productive. Having that support from your advisor  and knowing that’s an option was always so nice.