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

Working Toward Drug Therapies Against Heart and Liver Disease
Ethan Anderson
Associate Professor

Solving Skin Puzzles to Benefit Vulnerable People
Nicole Brogden
Associate Professor
Seeking Clues to Stop Neurodegenerative Disease
Jonathan Doorn
Professor and Department Chair

Researching the metabolism of drugs and environmental contaminants
Michael Duffel
Professor Emeritus

Probing Gene Effects to Address Psychiatric Disorders
Marie Gaine
Assistant Professor

Developing the Next Generation of Drugs to Battle Aggressive Cancers
Zhendong Jin
Professor

Using Chemistry to Discover New Drugs
Robert J Kerns
Professor

Preventing Unwanted Reactions to Medications
Gary Milavetz
Professor and Executive Associate Dean

Developing Gene Based Messages Against Illnesses
Kevin Rice
Professor

Using High Throughput Screening to Discover/Develop Drugs
Dave Roman
Professor and Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Programs

Drug Development Using Computer Simulation in Chemistry
Ashley Spies
Professor