Madeleine Popofsky, Pauli Murray ’26

Designing Peptides and Exploring Microproteins: Madeleine Popofsky's Chemistry Journey at Yale

Written by Kellina Brennan ‘26, Pauli Murray College

Edited by Charlie Wong ‘28, Silliman College

Ever wonder what it’s like to juggle designing cutting-edge molecules, illustrating for a scientific magazine, and stapling peptides all in a day’s work? Just ask Madeleine Popofsky (MY ’26). The junior is studying chemistry, working in Slavoff Lab studying microproteins, and all around killing it. (Like Brie Larson in that one chemistry show.)

When Madeleine isn’t in the lab, she’s busy shaping the future of the Yale Scientific Magazine. Starting in the spring, she’ll take on the role of Production Manager while continuing her work as a Senior Staff Writer and Illustrator. 

What drew Madeleine to chemical biology? It’s the perfect crossroads between organic chemistry and biology, she explains, “Not only do I get to design and create molecules, but I also get to do it for a specific biological or medicinal purpose.” This dual passion for chemistry and biology led Madeleine to her current lab, where she’s diving into the “dark matter of the human genome” as part of a team researching microproteins. Finding the right lab wasn’t easy. Madeleine reached out to professors, sent a slew of cold emails (some of which went unanswered), and eventually found her way to Professor Slavoff’s lab. The connection? Madeleine had already developed a rapport with Professor Slavoff through office hours—one of the best opportunities to get to know your professors. 

Madeleine’s lab work centers on Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS), a process that sounds as cool as it is. She’s creating short protein sequences, or peptides, to inhibit a protein known as ERVK3-1. To keep these peptides stable as potential drugs, Madeleine employs a technique called peptide stapling, which helps retain their structure. The collaborative lab culture—where graduate students freely exchange advice and ideas—has made the experience even more rewarding.

Madeleine didn’t always see herself in the chemistry world. She entered Yale as a neuroscience major and even explored neuroscience research. However, her growing interest in chemistry and its broader applications eventually led her to pivot. “Chemistry allows me more options in the future,” she reflects. Her time at the National Cancer Institute, where she performed immunology research the summer after freshman year, also gave her valuable lab experience.