David Lawrence

David Lawrence is the Fred Eshelmann Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), with joint appointments in the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Pharmacology. He is a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and leads research focusing on chemical biology, personalized pharmacology, optogenetics, and light-mediated drug delivery.

• University: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• School: School of Pharmacy
• Departments: Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Chemistry, Pharmacology
• Key Research Themes: Signaling pathway sensors, cellular cyborgs for targeted therapy, multicolor monitoring of enzymatic activity, and optogenetic tools for mitochondrial dynamics.

His work aims to bridge chemistry and biology to develop predictive diagnostics and therapies for cancer and neurological diseases. Collaborations include Nancy Allbritton (Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering) and UNC School of Medicine clinicians.

Scientific Awards:

• Fred Eshelmann Distinguished Professor

Team Members: Colin O’Banion, Qunzhao Wang, Anwesha Goswami, Christina Marvin, Lauren Haar, Song Ding, Brianna Vickerman, Joshua Welfare, Emilia Zywot, Gabriela Gerlach, Timothy Hartman, Natalia Orlova.