Eric Oldfield

Eric Oldfield is the Harriet A. Harlin Professor of Chemistry at the University of Illinois, Department of Chemistry, and holds an affiliation with the Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology. His research focuses on drug discovery for infectious diseases and cancer, leveraging techniques like X-ray crystallography, spectroscopy, and computational chemistry. He earned a BSc from Bristol University and a PhD in Biophysical Chemistry from Sheffield University, with postdoctoral work at Indiana University and MIT.

Research interests span anti-infective agents targeting cell wall enzymes (e.g., UPPS, FPPS) and anticancer drugs modulating bisphosphonate effects on immune cells. His lab investigates dual-target inhibitors to combat drug resistance in bacteria and parasites. Awards include the Biophysical Society Avanti Award (2011), Royal Society of Chemistry Medals (Multiple Years), and AAAS Fellowship (2008).

Key publications highlight SQ109’s broad-spectrum activity against fungi and malaria, bisphosphonates’ roles in cancer immunotherapy, and structural studies of prenyltransferases. His work integrates molecular dynamics, enzyme inhibition studies, and preclinical models to advance resistance-resistant antibiotics and immuno-antibiotics.

• Awards: Over 15 major accolades including Society Medals, AAAS Fellowship, and Teaching Excellence Recognition (2006).
• Grants/Advising: Long-term NIH-funded research on drug discovery; extensive mentorship of graduate students in anti-infective and anticancer projects.
• Labs: Active collaborations with the Center for Biophysics, focusing on membrane biophysics and enzyme mechanisms.