Samuel G. Awuah

Samuel G. Awuah, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemistry at the University of Kentucky. His research focuses on synthetic chemistry with an emphasis on bioinorganic chemistry, chemical biology, and drug discovery, particularly targeting anticancer agents and mitochondrial dysfunction in diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). His lab has developed novel gold complexes for therapeutic applications and explored their mechanisms in cancer and metabolic disorders. Dr. Awuah holds a joint faculty appointment, reflecting his interdisciplinary work bridging chemistry and pharmacology.

Research interests include the design of metal-based therapeutics (e.g., gold, copper), mitochondrial targeting strategies, and combinatorial drug delivery systems. He has pioneered the development of AUPHOS, an oral agent that enhances mitochondrial function to treat IBD, and has advanced gold(III) complexes as anticancer agents. His work spans from synthetic chemistry to in vivo models, with a focus on translational applications.

Notable achievements include the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, Max Steckler Awards, and recognition for mentorship in teaching and research. Dr. Awuah has secured grants from institutions like the UK IRC and KSCHIRT to advance therapies for traumatic brain injury and platinum resistance in ovarian cancer. His lab actively collaborates with industry and academia, producing over 50 peer-reviewed articles and patent applications.

Students and postdocs in his lab have excelled in competitive fellowships and awards, reflecting his commitment to mentoring. His team investigates cutting-edge areas like CRISPR-based target identification for gold compounds and nanotechnology for drug delivery, positioning him as a leader in metallodrugs and mitochondrial medicine.