Metalloenzymes are biological machines that can construct small molecules. Among these small molecules are natural products released from bacteria that harbor insecticidal activity against disease-carrying mosquitoes. Considering the adverse effects of commonly used insecticides on human health, it is imperative to seek safer alternatives. Taking on this challenge, Dayna Patterson aims to characterize a novel bacterial product with insecticidal properties and its primary iron-based metalloenzyme. This research will contribute to the development of safer insecticides.