Scott M. Landfear

Dr. Scott M. Landfear is a Professor and University Professor at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in the Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of parasitic infections, particularly Leishmania and African trypanosomes. He has pioneered studies on glucose transporters’ roles in parasite physiology and developed drug discovery programs targeting essential parasite proteins.

Education: A.B. in Chemistry (University of Chicago), A.M. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry (Harvard University), postdoctoral training at Harvard School of Public Health and MIT’s Biology Department.

Research Interests:

• Developmental regulation of gene expression in pathogens
• Membrane transporter biology and trafficking mechanisms
• Discovery of antiparasitic drugs via phenotypic screening
• Host-parasite interactions in Leishmania infections

Publications Highlight: Recent work includes AI-driven drug screening alternatives, novel antileishmanial compounds, and cytoskeletal proteins critical for parasite division. His lab’s findings emphasize flagellar membrane proteins’ roles in nutrient sensing and intracellular survival.

Awards: Recipient of Burroughs Wellcome awards in Molecular Parasitology, NIH Career Development Award, and leadership roles in NIH training grants and study sections.

Collaborations involve chemical biologists, medicinal chemists, and global networks for open-source drug discovery initiatives targeting neglected tropical diseases.