Cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer on Earth, is an attractive alternative to fossil fuels for energy and the production of commodity chemicals. However, the high stability of cellulose poses a great challenge in its utilization as a renewable resource. In nature, the bonds between sugars are broken by enzymes such as polysaccharide monooxygenases (PMOs). To understand how to better degrade cellulose, Allie is investigating the mechanism of PMOs. Much is still unknown about the molecular mechanism of PMOs. Allie is specifically interested in identifying and understanding the rate-limiting step, timing of proton transfers, and intermediate structures in the PMO mechanism. In answering these fundamental biochemical questions, the results of this work will inform the design of new catalysts and materials for the biofuel industry.