This research area includes a strong synthetic medicinal chemistry component involving the development of new synthetic methodologies to construct anti-infective, anti-cancer, and anti-viral agents. Faculty members also focus on drug metabolism and carcinogenesis, chemical toxicology, and neurochemistry. They are engaged in gene delivery system development, the identification of novel targets for anticancer agents, and the treatment of central nervous system disorders, as well as the discovery of novel pre-therapeutic lead molecules through the use of High Throughput Screening. Additionally, they achieve small molecule drug discovery is through structure-based drug design and computer-aided drug discovery, with a strong emphasis on enzyme drug targets.

Faculty in Drug Discovery and Experimental Therapeutics

Ethan Anderson

Working Toward Drug Therapies Against Heart and Liver Disease

 

Ethan Anderson
Professor

Training Opportunities
Currently training students

Nicole Brogden_2

Solving Skin Puzzles to Benefit Vulnerable People

 

Nicole Brogden
Professor, Associate Dean of Faculty

Training Opportunities
Currently training students

Jonathan A Doorn-square

Seeking Clues to Stop Neurodegenerative Disease

 

Jonathan Doorn
Professor and Department Chair

Training Opportunities
Currently training students

Gaine, Marie

Probing Gene Effects to Address Psychiatric Disorders

 

Marie Gaine
Assistant Professor

Training Opportunities
Currently training students

Zhendong Jin

Developing the Next Generation of Drugs to Battle Aggressive Cancers

 

Zhendong Jin
Professor

Training Opportunities
Currently training students

Rob Kerns

Using Chemistry to Discover New Drugs

 

Robert J Kerns
Professor

Training Opportunities
Currently training students

Jill Kolesar

Applying Precision Medicine to Enhance Cancer Understanding and Treatment

 

Jill Kolesar
Professor and Dean

Training Opportunities
None currently

Jared McLendon

Investigating Mechanical Gene Regulation for Therapeutic Targets

 

Jared McLendon
Assistant Professor

Training Opportunities
Currently training students

Kevin Rice

Developing Gene Based Messages Against Illnesses

 

Kevin Rice
Professor

Training Opportunities
None currently

Dave Roman

Using High Throughput Screening to Discover/Develop Drugs

 

Dave Roman
Professor and Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Programs

Training Opportunities
Currently training students

Ashley Spies

Drug Development Using Computer Simulation in Chemistry

 

Ashley Spies
Professor

Training Opportunities
Currently training students