Eamonn Healy

Eamonn Healy is a Professor of Chemistry at St. Edward's University, part of the School of Natural Sciences. He holds the Bro. Lucian Blersch Professor of Science title (2010-2017) and has been recognized with awards including the Piper Professor (2001) and multiple teaching accolades. He earned his B.S. (1980) and Ph.D. (1984) in Chemistry from University College Cork and the University of Texas at Austin, respectively, where he worked under Michael J.S. Dewar. Key research contributions include co-developing the AM1 semi-empirical quantum model and studying enzymatic activity through molecular modeling. His work spans HIV drug resistance, protein aggregation mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases, and heat shock protein functions. He has secured over $2.75 million in grants, including an NIH IRACDA award (2013-2019). He actively mentors undergraduate students in interdisciplinary research and contributes to chemical pedagogy, advocating for science-based organic chemistry education. His lab focuses on computational approaches to drug design and enzymatic processes.

Education:

• B.S. Chemistry, University College Cork, Ireland, 1976-1980
• Ph.D. Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, 1980-1984

Research Interests: Molecular modeling of enzymatic activity, protein aggregation dynamics (e.g., ALS and Alzheimer's mechanisms), heat shock protein functions, and drug design targeting HIV-1 integrase and tyrosine kinases. His computational studies address structural biology challenges like CXCL16 shedding and SARS-CoV-2 ACE2 receptor interactions.

Grants & Funding:

• Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Awards (IRACDA), NIH, $2.75M (2013-2019)
• NSF CASAR Program, $498K (2010-2015)
• W.M. Keck Foundation Grant, $260K (2007-2010)

Awards:

• Bro. Lucian Blersch Professor of Science
• Piper Professor, Texas (2001)
• Outstanding Teacher, 1999 and 1992

Labs/Teams: Leads computational chemistry and biochemistry research groups at St. Edward's, collaborating with institutions like UT Austin. Focus areas include molecular modeling of disease mechanisms and drug discovery.