معرفی
Jennifer Niven Shepherd serves as Interim Dean of the School of Engineering & Applied Science and Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Gonzaga University. Her leadership spans academic administration and active research in biochemistry and drug development.
Education:
- Ph.D., University of California at Los Angeles
- M.S., University of California at Los Angeles
- B.S., Oregon State University
Dr. Shepherd's research centers on rhodoquinone biosynthesis as a target for anti-parasitic drugs, integrating synthetic organic chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Her work focuses on anaerobic energy metabolism in parasites and model organisms like C. elegans and R. rubrum, with implications for treating neglected tropical diseases affecting over 1.5 billion people. She also pioneered an innovative "Art and Chemistry" course bridging scientific and creative disciplines.
Analysis of her 10 most recent publications (2010-2022) reveals consistent focus on rhodoquinone biosynthesis pathways across bacterial and eukaryotic systems. Key themes include enzyme characterization (particularly RquA), metabolic engineering, evolutionary adaptations to hypoxia, and identification of novel biosynthetic intermediates. Her work bridges fundamental biochemistry with translational drug development applications.
Scientific Recognition:
- NSF CAREER Award (2002-2007)
- NIH AREA R-15 Grant ($241,355)
- New Frontiers in Research Fund ($300,000)
- Multiple NSF instrumentation grants
Dr. Shepherd actively mentors undergraduate researchers, with 23 students co-authoring publications and presentations between 2010-2022. Her Shepherd Lab has secured over $1.1 million in external funding including NIH, NSF, and Research Corporation grants. Current projects investigate rhodoquinone biosynthesis as a target for combating parasitic infections through unorthodox antimicrobial approaches.
The Shepherd Lab operates at the intersection of biochemistry and parasitology, utilizing R. rubrum and C. elegans models to elucidate rhodoquinone biosynthesis pathways. The lab maintains strong collaborations with Dalhousie University and focuses on translating basic research into novel anthelmintic therapies.
