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Hung V.-T. NguyenView profile

Assistant Professor

• Drug Delivery
• Nanomedicine
• Cancer Therapy
• +3 more

Hung V.-T. Nguyen is an Assistant Professor of Engineering at the Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College. His research focuses on developing polymer-based platforms for drug delivery and nanomedicine, with applications in cancer therapy and biomedical engineering. Prior to Dartmouth, he earned his PhD in Chemistry from MIT (2019) and co-founded Window Therapeutics, a startup focused on drug delivery technologies. Education: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2013 PhD in Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2019 Research interests include molecular engineering of polymers for targeted drug delivery, design of prodrugs with controlled release kinetics, and development of imaging agents for real-time therapeutic monitoring. His work integrates polymer chemistry with biological systems to address challenges in cancer treatment and regenerative medicine. Key achievements include pioneering bottlebrush prodrugs for combination cancer therapies and developing pro-organic radical contrast agents (pro-ORCAs) for MRI imaging. His team’s innovations have led to patents in drug delivery systems and polymer architectures. Awards: Mentorship Spotlight Award (2021), IUPAC-Solvay International Award (2020), NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2014–2019) Nguyen advises graduate and undergraduate students in the Nguyen Group, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. He teaches ENGS 25: Introduction to Thermodynamics at Dartmouth and has launched a research lab focused on translating engineering advancements into clinical applications.

• Organic Chemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Peptide and Protein Synthesis
• +5 more

Professor Richard J. Payne (FAA, FRSC, FRSN, FRACI) is the NHMRC Investigator Leadership Fellow and Deputy Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science at The University of Sydney. He earned a BSc (1st class honours) from the University of Canterbury (2002) and a PhD from the University of Cambridge under the late Professor Chris Abell (2003-2007). After postdoctoral work at The Scripps Research Institute with Professor Chi-Huey Wong (2007-2008), he joined The University of Sydney as a Lecturer in Organic Chemistry. His research focuses on chemical synthesis of biomolecules to address biological and medical challenges, particularly in anti-infectives , vaccine development , and glycopeptide engineering . His lab pioneered diselenide-selenoester ligation and selenocysteine-based modification techniques for constructing complex peptides and proteins. Current projects target pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Plasmodium falciparum , and SARS-CoV-2 through inhibitor design , anticoagulant discovery , and LYTAC development . His 15 most recent publications span 2025-2021 and reflect multidisciplinary work at the chemistry-biology interface , including antiviral peptides , glycoprotein assembly , and supramolecular anticoagulants . Notably, 2025 articles address C-terminal bromodomain inhibitors and on-demand reversible anticoagulants , while 2024 studies focus on PROTAC-based proteostasis disruption and mycobacterial chaperone targeting . Awards & Honors 2016 Malcolm McIntosh Prime Minister's Prize 2023 Australian Academy of Science Fellowship 2014 Le Fèvre Memorial Prize & Edgeworth David Medal 2018 A.J. Birch Medal He supervises 8 active research students and leads collaborations with The Payne Research Group , Charles Perkins Centre , and Sydney Nano Institute . His work aligns with the University of Sydney's research strengths in Molecules to Materials and Next Generation Therapeutics .

Robert BateyView profile

Professor

• Biological Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Organoboron Chemistry
• +7 more

Robert Batey is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto, serving as Co-Director of the Acceleration Consortium's Medicinal Chemistry Self-Driving Lab (SDL) and former Chair of the Department (2013–2023). His research focuses on organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and applications in drug discovery, with a particular emphasis on organoboron chemistry and protease inhibitors. He holds a B.A. from Oxford University and a Ph.D. from Imperial College London. His work bridges synthetic methods, structural analysis, and computational science, including collaborations on machine learning-driven molecule design. Key research areas include: synthetic methods using organoboron compounds, combinatorial chemistry, hetero Diels-Alder reactions, and the development of small molecules targeting ClpP proteases and ubiquitin pathways. His group has synthesized natural products like himeic acid A, kitastatin, and martinelline, as well as novel antibiotics and PROTACs. Recent publications highlight advancements in AI-driven drug design (e.g., GFlowNets for molecular generation), structure-based antibiotics development, and PROTAC complex structure prediction. Awards include the CSC Merck-Frosst Award and multiple teaching/research accolades. Awards: CSC Merck-Frosst Award, Merck Academic Development Award, Bio-Méga/Boehringer Ingelheim Young Investigator Award, and teaching excellence recognition. Advising: Active mentorship of graduate students and postdocs in organic chemistry, with a focus on independent research and problem-solving. Labs: Located in Lash Miller Building (3rd floor), including North Lab (LM 371) and South Lab (LM 370).

Carsten HopfView profile

Professor

• Bioanalytics
• Drug Discovery
• Mass Spectrometry Imaging
• +6 more

Carsten Hopf is a Professor of Bioanalytics and Drug Discovery at Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, leading the Institute of Instrumental Analytics and Bioanalytics and the CeMOS (Center for Mass Spectrometry and Optical Spectroscopy). His work focuses on developing spatially resolved omics technologies (e.g., MALDI-MS imaging) for neurodegenerative and oncological research. He explores lipidomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to understand Alzheimer's disease, glioblastoma, and other neurodegenerative disorders. Key projects include the SMART-CARE-2 BMBF initiative (2023–2026) and DFG-funded research on spatial multi-omics in glioblastoma (SFB 1389). Research interests center on mass spectrometry innovations, including matrix optimization, AI-driven data analysis, and multimodal imaging (e.g., infrared microscopy integration). His lab develops label-free cell assays for drug discovery and studies molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Collaborations span academia and industry, with projects like the M 2 Aind partnership addressing 3D cell culture toxicity assessments. Grants include BMBF, DFG, and EU funding for systems medicine, organoid analysis, and mass spectrometry cores. His technological advancements aim to improve biomarker discovery and translational medicine in neuro-oncology and neurodegeneration.

Takayoshi SuzukiView profile

Professor

• Epigenetics
• Drug Discovery
• Medicinal Chemistry
• +5 more

Takayoshi Suzuki is a Professor at Osaka University's Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (SANKEN), leading the Department of Complex Molecular Chemistry. He holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Tokyo (2005) and has held academic positions at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Nagoya City University, and Scripps Research Institute. His research integrates synthetic organic chemistry, chemical biology, and AI for drug discovery targeting epigenetic mechanisms in cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Research Interests: Focuses on designing enzyme inhibitors (e.g., HDACs, KDMs), developing PROTACs, and creating bioactive molecules for precision medicine. Key areas include cancer-selective therapeutics, epigenetic reprogramming, and chemical probe development. Awards & Honors: Ewha Global Fellow (2024) MEXT Commendation for Science and Technology (2011) Pharmaceutical Society of Japan Young Chemist Award (2009) Lab & Advising: Directs a team of 25+ students (PhD, Master's, Bachelor's) and staff. Research emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, with recent student accolades including Poster Awards at international conferences.

Anna BarnardView profile

Associate Professor

• Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Biochemistry and Cell Biology
• +8 more

Dr. Anna Barnard is an Associate Professor (Senior Lecturer) in the Department of Chemistry at Imperial College London, affiliated with the Institute of Chemical Biology and multiple research groups including the Barnard Group. Her research focuses on developing chemical tools to target protein-protein interactions (PPIs), with applications in infectious diseases, cancer, and antibiotic resistance. She holds a Wellcome Trust Sir Henry Dale Fellowship (2019-2025) and leads a multidisciplinary team in drug discovery, peptide engineering, and chemical biology. Education: PhD in Chemistry (University of York, 2012), postdoctoral training at the University of Leeds, Imperial College London, and a Junior Research Fellowship at Imperial (2015). She has authored over 30 publications in journals like Chemical Science , Journal of the American Chemical Society , and ACS Chemical Biology . Research Interests: Design of helix mimetics, stapled peptides, and small molecule inhibitors; targeting bacterial toxins (e.g., Doc in Salmonella); malaria transmission-blocking agents; and applications of molecular rotors for live-cell imaging of PPI inhibition. Her work bridges organic chemistry, synthetic biology, and translational medicine. Awards: Wellcome Trust Sir Henry Dale Fellowship, Imperial College Network of Excellence in Malaria. Collaborations include Imperial’s Department of Medicine, the Institute of Infection, and industry partners like FreshCheck. She mentors over 20 current and past students, including PhD candidates and MRes researchers. Labs/Teams: Barnard Group (Chemical Biology), Institute of Chemical Biology (CDT in Chemical Biology), and cross-disciplinary initiatives with the Kuimova, Fuchter, and Tate groups. Research is funded by Wellcome Trust, EPSRC, and Imperial College scholarships.

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Organic Synthesis
• Cancer Therapeutics
• +5 more

Dr. Daniel Alencar Rodrigues is a Lecturer at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) in the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and has held academic positions including Assistant Professor (2017–2018) and Postdoctoral Researcher (2020–2023). His research focuses on medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, and cancer therapeutics, particularly targeting histone deacetylases (HDACs), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), and the development of Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs). Education: PhD in Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2015–2019) MSc in Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2013–2015) Bachelor in Pharmacy, Federal University of Goiás (2008–2012) Postgraduate Diploma in Health Professions Education, RCSI (2023–2024) His research interests include: Design and synthesis of multi-target drugs and PROTACs for cancer therapy HDAC6 inhibition in breast and brain cancers Computational chemistry for drug design (molecular docking, virtual screening) Development of novel anticancer agents targeting metabolic vulnerabilities Dr. Rodrigues has received the Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship and has a robust publication record with over 20 peer-reviewed articles. His lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining organic synthesis, computational modeling, and biological evaluation. Teaching responsibilities include lecturing in the Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) and BSc in Advanced Therapeutic Technologies programs, with a focus on musculoskeletal and haematological health modules. He emphasizes constructive alignment in teaching practices.

Can ChenView profile

Assistant Professor

• control theory
• network science
• tensor algebra
• +7 more

Can Chen is an Assistant Professor in the School of Data Science and Society at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with adjunct appointments in the Department of Mathematics (College of Arts & Sciences) and the Department of Biostatistics (Gillings School of Global Public Health). He holds core faculty status in the Carolina Health Informatics Program and is affiliated with the Computational Medicine Program and Carolina Center for Interdisciplinary Applied Mathematics. Education: B.S. in Mathematics (UC Irvine, 2016), M.S. in Electrical & Computer Engineering (UMichigan, 2020), Ph.D. in Applied & Interdisciplinary Mathematics (UMichigan, 2021), followed by a postdoc at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School (2021–2023). Research interests span control theory, network science, tensor algebra, numerical analysis, machine learning, computational biology, and hypergraph learning. Notable contributions include theoretical frameworks for ecological systems stability, tensor-based dynamical systems, and hypergraph learning applied to genome-scale metabolic networks. Recent work includes a Physics Reports review on ecological stability, a Springer book on tensor algebra, and a Nature Communications paper introducing CHESHIRE for metabolic network analysis. His lab focuses on developing computational tools for systems biology and translational medicine. Key collaborations involve proteogenomic approaches to cancer biomarker discovery, E3 ligase-based targeted therapy, and signal transduction pathways in oncology. He currently oversees research on protein degradation mechanisms, immune-oncology, and systems-driven drug development.

Mark WilsonView profile

Professor

• Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
• Soft Matter
• Liquid Crystals
• +5 more

Mark Wilson is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Durham University, where he leads the Computational Soft Matter research group. His laboratory is housed in the Wolfson Suite for Computational Chemistry, focusing on molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations of complex molecular systems. The group's research is primarily funded by EPSRC grants, supporting investigations into liquid crystals, polymers, proteins, and nanostructured materials. Wilson's research integrates theoretical chemistry with computational physics to study: Self-assembly processes in chromonic liquid crystals and surfactants Multiscale modeling approaches combining atomistic and coarse-grained methods Protein dynamics and allosteric regulation mechanisms Phase behavior of bent-core liquid crystals and ferroelectric nematics Interfacial phenomena in polymer-surfactant systems Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals strong emphasis on: methodological developments in dissipative particle dynamics; molecular engineering of pharmaceuticals; and predictive modeling of soft material behavior. Recurring themes include surfactant phase diagrams, liquid crystal polymorphism, and computational methods validation through experimental collaboration. Wilson currently supervises four PhD students and maintains an active research team with six group members. His laboratory utilizes advanced high-performance computing resources for large-scale simulations, with recent work extending to biomolecular systems including beta-amyloid aggregation and antimicrobial peptides.

Yaxia YuanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Computer-Aided Drug Discovery
• Cancer Biology
• Targeted Protein Degradation
• +5 more

Dr. Yaxia Yuan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA). She serves as Associate Director of the Center for Innovative Drug Discovery (CIDD) and Director of the Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (CADD) Core. Her research focuses on computational drug discovery methodologies, including algorithm development for PROTEOLYSIS TARGETING CHIMERA (PROTAC) design and applications in oncology, longevity, and neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Yuan earned her B.Sc. and Ph.D. from Peking University, followed by postdoctoral training at the University of Kentucky. Her research interests span targeted protein degradation (PROTACs), synthetic high-density lipoprotein (HDL) therapies, and development of inhibitors for cancer-related targets such as BCL-XL, JNK1, and PELP1. Her work integrates structural biology, molecular modeling, and medicinal chemistry to advance drug discovery pipelines. Key contributions include dual BCL-XL/BCL-2 degraders, computational HDL designs for sepsis treatment, and structure-based discovery of mPGES-1 inhibitors for anti-inflammatory therapies. Education: B.Sc., Peking University, China Ph.D., Peking University, China Professional Roles: Associate Director, CIDD Director, CADD Core Dr. Yuan's publications emphasize innovation in drug design strategies, including dynamic scoring methods (DyScore) and multi-target ligand approaches. Her work bridges computational modeling with experimental validation to address unmet medical needs in cancer, sepsis, and neurodegenerative disorders. Ongoing projects focus on optimizing PROTAC efficacy, elucidating molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 Tat protein interactions with dopamine transporters, and developing next-generation anti-inflammatory agents. Labs/Teams: Her research is conducted through the CIDD and CADD Core facilities, which provide advanced structural and computational resources for collaborative drug discovery initiatives.

Derek WilsonView profile

Professor

• Protein Dynamics
• Microfluidics
• Time-resolved Mass Spectrometry
• +7 more

Derek Wilson is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry at York University, holding the York Research Chair (Tier 2). His research focuses on protein dynamics and structural biology using advanced mass spectrometry techniques, including time-resolved electrospray ionization (TRESI) and hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX-MS). He leads the Wilson Lab, which investigates protein motions, enzyme mechanisms, and interactions with ligands, membranes, and other proteins. His expertise spans analytical and biological chemistry, with a strong emphasis on developing microfluidics-based tools for studying millisecond-to-second timescale processes. Key projects include elucidating the dynamics of antibiotic resistance enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), intrinsically disordered proteins (e.g., tau in Alzheimer’s), and antiapoptotic proteins (Bcl-2/Mcl-1) involved in cancer. Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry (specific details not listed in text). Awards include the Tier 2 York Research Chair. The lab collaborates widely with institutions like the University of Chicago and St. Jude Children’s Hospital, advancing drug discovery and structural biology. Current students and alumni include researchers studying STAT5b oncogenic mutations, tau protein dynamics, and nanodisc technologies. The lab operates cutting-edge equipment such as the Synapt G2-S HDMS and VersaLaser microfluidic devices.

• Protease Inhibition
• PROTACs
• Activity-Based Probes
• +6 more

Prof. Michael Gütschow is a Professor at the Pharmaceutical Institute of the University of Bonn. His research focuses on designing tailored inhibitors for proteases involved in cancer, viral infections (e.g., SARS-CoV-2), and developing proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) for targeted protein degradation. He leads projects in drug discovery, including antiviral agents and epigenetic therapies. His work spans protease inhibition mechanisms, activity-based probes for enzyme analysis, and novel drug modalities like PROTACs for cyclin-dependent kinases and cereblon. Notable collaborations include studies on CDK6 degraders for multiple myeloma and SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors. Recent publications highlight advancements in histone deacetylase degraders, NLRP3 inflammasome modulation, and USP7-targeting PROTACs. His research bridges biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, and translational medicine, contributing to innovative therapeutic strategies.

Elena De VitaView profile

Lecturer

• Chemical Biology
• Covalent Ligands
• Drug Discovery
• +3 more

Dr. Elena De Vita is a Lecturer in Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), affiliated with the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences and the Centre for Molecular Cell Biology. She holds a position in the Department of Biochemistry and leads the EDV-Lab research group. Her research focuses on covalent ligand discovery and development for chemical biology and drug discovery applications, particularly targeting protein phosphorylation dynamics in cancer. Education and Career: Dr. De Vita earned her MSc in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Pisa (2014). She completed her PhD at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ, Heidelberg) under Dr. Aubry Miller, developing covalent inhibitors of KLK6. Postdoctoral roles included a CRUK Research Associate position with Prof. Edward Tate, followed by a Marie Skłodowska Curie Fellowship (2020) and funding from Worldwide Cancer Research (2022). She joined QMUL in 2023. Research Interests: Her group develops chemical tools like PHOSTACs (PHOSphorylation TArgeting Chimeras) to study protein dephosphorylation via covalent ligand-induced proximity. Current projects target the unknown phosphoproteome in cancer, exploring therapeutic opportunities through targeted protein dephosphorylation. Key areas include covalent drug design, protein phosphatase recruitment, and translational chemical biology. Grants and Recognition: She leads Royal Society-funded projects on covalent probes for protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and PHOSTACs for K-Ras-driven tumors. Awards include the Merck Innovation Cup (2021) and L’Oréal-UNESCO UK Women In Science shortlist (2022). Labs and Collaborations: Her lab (EDV-Lab) focuses on interdisciplinary approaches combining synthetic chemistry, biochemistry, and cell biology. Collaborations involve Imperial College London, DKFZ, and global cancer research institutions. Future directions include scaling PHOSTAC technologies for clinical translation and expanding covalent ligand applications in precision oncology.

Wendell LimView profile

Professor

• Synthetic Biology
• Cellular Engineering
• Immunoengineering
• +7 more

Wendell Lim is a Professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine. He is a leading figure in synthetic biology and cellular engineering, directing the Lim Lab, which focuses on reprogramming immune cells for precision cancer immunotherapies. His research integrates synthetic biology, immunology, and systems biology to design novel cell-based therapeutics. University: University of California San Francisco School: School of Medicine Department: Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology Academic Rank: Professor Email: wendell.lim@ucsf.edu Dr. Lim's research interests center on synthetic biology, T cell engineering, cell signaling, and programmable cell therapies. His lab pioneers technologies such as synNotch and CAR-T systems that enable precise control over immune cell behavior, allowing for spatial and temporal regulation of therapeutic activity. His work aims to overcome challenges in cancer heterogeneity, specificity, and persistence. The recent publications of Dr. Lim reflect a strong trend toward engineering smart cell therapeutics, particularly through modular receptor systems, synthetic cytokine circuits, and logic-gated T cells. These works span disciplines including immunology, cancer biology, protein engineering, and regenerative medicine, emphasizing the development of next-generation, conditionally activated immunotherapies with enhanced safety and efficacy. Dr. Lim has received widespread recognition for his contributions to synthetic biology and immunoengineering. His work is frequently published in top-tier journals such as Science , Nature , and Cell , and he is a sought-after speaker and collaborator in the field. He mentors a large group of students, postdoctoral researchers, and collaborators, many of whom are co-authors on his publications. His lab has secured significant funding to support research in engineered cell therapies, synthetic signaling circuits, and translational applications in oncology and autoimmunity. The Lim Lab also develops educational tools and frameworks for teaching synthetic biology concepts. Dr. Lim leads interdisciplinary teams working on synthetic morphogen systems, degron-based control mechanisms, and multicellular patterning, aiming to build foundational platforms for programmable tissues and intelligent cell-based medicines.

Fabian BarthelsView profile

Researcher

• RNA Biology
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Epitranscriptomics
• +6 more

Dr. Fabian Barthels is a Researcher and Research Group Leader at the Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences of Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz , Germany. His work focuses on RNA methyltransferases, epitranscriptomics, and medicinal chemistry technologies. Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry (University of Mainz, 2018) Biochemistry M.Sc. (University of Tübingen, 2016) Biochemistry B.Sc. (University of Tübingen, 2013–2016) Dr. Barthels' research explores dysregulation of RNA modifications in disease pathology, developing selective covalent/non-covalent inhibitors for RNA methyltransferases using DNA-encoded libraries and PROTACs. His group created microscale thermophoresis assays and 3D-printed lab equipment like FINDUS and a differential scanning fluorometer. His group's publications highlight advancements in RNA-MST protocols, METTL1/DNMT2 inhibitor discovery, and photoaffinity probes for viral proteases. Recent work includes fluorescent MTase probes (Angewandte Chemie 2024) and RNA-ligand interaction studies (Chemical Science 2023). 2023 Boehringer-Ingelheim Foundation Dissertation Award 2022 Walter-Schunack Prize in Medicinal Chemistry 2022 Phoenix Pharmacy Award (co-awarded) 2016–2018 Deutschlandstipendium for academic potential Dr. Barthels' lab includes researchers like Ariane Frey (Poster Award winner) and Annabelle Weldert (best presentation awardee). His DFG-funded Transregio 319 project on RNA Modification and Processing and CZS MAINCE initiative on Medical AI demonstrate his grant leadership.