Steven Fletcher

Steven Fletcher is a Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, where he leads a research group focused on innovative drug development for cancer and inflammation. His work bridges medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and targeted therapeutics.

• Department: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
• School: School of Pharmacy
• Institution: University of Maryland
• Contact: sfletcher@rx.umaryland.edu

Education:

• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry – Imperial College, London, UK (2000–2004)
• BA/MNatSci (Chemistry) – University of Cambridge, UK (1996–2000)
• Post-doctoral training – Yale University (2004–2007), University of Toronto (2007–2009)

Dr. Fletcher’s research centers on the rational design of small molecules to inhibit pathogenic protein-protein interactions and to develop next-generation therapeutics using targeted protein degradation technologies. His lab is particularly focused on overcoming resistance in cancer therapy by re-engineering FDA-approved drugs and developing first-in-class inhibitors for targets such as hnRNPA18, ERK, and p38 MAP kinases. A major thrust of his work involves PROTACs (proteolysis-targeting chimeras) and molecular glues that hijack the ubiquitin-proteasome system to degrade disease-causing proteins like BCL-2, Aurora kinases, and menin in acute myeloid leukemia. His group also explores covalent inhibitors and α-helix mimetics to modulate oncogenic signaling.

An analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on oncology drug discovery, with recurring themes in apoptosis regulation (via Mcl-1, Bcl-2, c-Myc), kinase signaling (ERK, p38), and epigenetic modulation (HDAC6, BET proteins). His work combines synthetic chemistry, computational modeling, and biological validation, often in collaboration with experts in pharmacology and structural biology. The use of nanoparticle delivery systems and in vivo disease models underscores the translational potential of his research.

Scientific Awards:

• No specific awards listed in the provided text.

Dr. Fletcher actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with a track record of advising numerous PhDs and MS students. His lab is currently recruiting for PhD, MS, and NIH-funded postdoctoral positions, indicating sustained research activity and funding. His laboratory works in close collaboration with researchers such as Dr. Paul Shapiro and Dr. Alex MacKerell Jr., and focuses on both drug discovery teams and mechanistic pharmacology. The group maintains a strong presence in medicinal chemistry literature and continues to push the boundaries of targeted therapeutics.